What follows is an entirely nonprofit fan-based work of creative fiction. This story is a hybridization of Tappei Nagatsuki's light novels, the anime, a good chunk of my own work, and a few jokes from different parodies. Though, that probably won't last after the first few chapters as there is no abridged series of Re:Zero (right now) that covers more than the first few episodes. Anyway, I would love to hear your thoughts, so please leave your questions, comments, concerns, and criticisms in the comments. Now, please enjoy the story.

Chapter Three:

Revelations

*A/N: In the anime, the very start of episode two plays the OST "Night Plot" the second you see the screen. For a more immersive experience, while reading, I suggest you use YouTube or any music playing app.*

"Perhaps I'm stating the obvious, but you've crossed a line." Said the man holding Subaru. He released his collar and let Subaru drop to the ground, whereupon his knees buckled, and he fell to them as the man's expression turned darker. "Apologize now." Subaru looked up at the silver-haired girl.

"...What?" He barely managed. What the hell is going on? He thought. This is all wrong. Nothing like this happened before-

"I said, " Started the man in black and gray as he grabbed the back of Subaru's tracksuit and hauled him to his feet. "Apologize!" Subaru blinked a few times quickly, struggling to think of an action to take. Maybe I should just apologize and- "Now!" Subaru looked around and noticed the gathering crowd. Their faces wore the same mask of disapproval and detest as they nodded in agreement at Subaru's treatment while looking at the scene playing out before them.

"I-I..." Subaru started hesitantly.

"Speak. Clearly." Said the girl with silver hair.

* * * * * * *

Crouched behind the chimney of a nearby building, a little girl smiled a devilish grin as she laughed mischievously to herself.

* * * * * * *

"I'm... I'm... S-" That was when a gust of wind seemed to pass through the street, calm and gentle. For a split second. Then, everyone was blown to the ground as the air itself howled, gale force winds rocking everything and everyone in the area to their core. In the center of the street, Subaru, the silver-haired girl, the maid, and the man in black and gray were all blown apart as if by a small explosion. Subaru fell to the ground on his stomach as the man to his right stumbled backward. Then, amidst the chaos, Subaru and the man saw a flash of gold headed straight for the air above the silver-haired girl. What- Her robe blew wildly from the wind as it made contact for but an instant with the golden blur. But it was enough. Then before the next second passed, it was gone. Picking herself up off the ground, the girl slipped her hands into her robe's pockets.

"Oh, no!" She cried, looking at the man and girl. "Rem! Arden! It's gone!" So these two *are* the ones she was talking about. The girl looked at Subaru as Arden moved to help Rem to her feet. "I've just been had and you... You were a distraction. Weren't you!?"

"What!? No way!" Said Subaru as Arden moved toward him a step, but looked toward where the wind had blown. The girl turned her palm toward Subaru, but she shook her head, turned around, and ran off after the thief.

"My Lady!" Called Arden after her. He looked back at Subaru just as he and Rem broke out into a run. "If you're still here when we get back, you'll be sorry!" Subaru hung his head low. Damn it. I *have* to help them. With only a moment's hesitation, he ran off after them.

* * * * * * *

*A/N: Play opening one for a better experience.*

* * * * * * *

*A/N: In the anime, this is when the OST "Train of Thought" plays. Use YouTube or any music playing app for a more immersive experience.*

As the three weaved through the back-alleys after Felt like it was nothing, Subaru's head filled with questions and doubts. What the hell's going on? Why's everyone acting so weird? How did I- Wait. He looked around and realized that he had a hard time keeping up and, as a consequence, had quickly gotten lost. But...

"This place looks *really* familiar." Then, it hit him. Oh, God damnit. How the hell do I keep ending up in the same damn alley? I should really know how to avoid this place by now. Going from the street, it looked as though the alley dead-ended into the wall ahead. In actuality, the alley turned sharply to the right from the wall. Subaru had come that way. On the right side of a person coming from the street turning to the right at the alley's end, there was a simple wooden door. Subaru glanced back at it. That must be where the thug's leader keeps coming from. Man, I should probably go back to the loot cellar. See if my suspicions about resetting time're true. But- Just then from Subaru's peripheral, he saw a mass move from the alley's entrance. He looked toward it and realized it was the same three thugs. Shit! Are there *any* other criminals in this town?

"Hey!" Yelled the one in the middle as he pulled out one of his knives from behind his back and twirled it in his hand. Damnit, I don't have time for this. He quickly looked toward them for any possible way of escape. There. If I time it right...

"Let's make this quick." The muscular one said. "Give us everything of value, and we'll letchu' go."

"Listen, I don't have time for this." Said Subaru as he started walking forward, raising his grocery bag toward his shoulder with every step. This was when things had finally slowed for a few seconds. So naturally, having a few moments to actually think, Subaru realized something. Wait a second- The man in the middle had anticipated his move and had plunged his knife deep into Subaru's stomach. He gasped. Did he just... Subaru fell to his knees as his grocery bag fell from his grasp just in front of him. He gazed down at the object sticking out of his lower abdomen just above and to the left of his belly button. There was a red spot spreading across his shirt. I've been stabbed... Goddamnit not again. He fell onto his stomach but pushed against the ground, trying to end up on his back. But as the rapidly encroaching fatigue from blood loss weakened him, the double-sided knife slowly and painfully slid deeper into his stomach. Man... I really *don't* wanna die. Again. He looked forward to the grocery bag's spilled contents.

*A/N: This is more or less when the OST "Call of the Witch" plays. Use YouTube or any music playing app for a more immersive experience.*

Wha... That's the... He smiled a bit. So I'm right. Time *is* resetting... I really should've... Been able to realize that by now... With that final thought, he lost his life yet again.

There was a slight pause for a moment.

Then...

"So kid, how about that appa?" Said Kadomon yet again. Subaru blinked his eyes and sighed deeply. Goddamnit, I hate déjà vu. I already know I've been here before. It was a familiar question from a familiar face. "Kid?"

"Hey, old man?" Said Subaru. "Do you remember seeing me before?" The shopkeeper concentrated on him for a moment then shook his head.

"Nope. Sorry boy. I think I'd remember a kid like you."

"And what's the date today?"

"Today's Wenasa, the 30th of Jukry, Sumary."

*A/N: This is my personally created timekeeping system. In the book, Kadomon says, "It's Tammuz the 14th." Though, what I've said is pretty much the equivalent of Wednesday, the 30th of June, Summer.*

"Jukry, huh?" Subaru had no idea what that date meant. I guess it only stands to reason that a different world would a different time system. "Hm."

"So? How about that appa?" Noticing Kadomon's growing impatience, Subaru responded by clenching his hands into fists and smiling brightly.

"Sorry, sir, but I'm about as broke as the sky is blue!" The shopkeeper's patience shattered in an instant, and he erupted in anger.

"Then get the hell outta here!" Subaru was taken aback by the sheer volume of the man's shout. In seconds, he was walking as fast as he could away from the shop. Man, I *really* can't go back there for a while. The shop, *and* my apparent respawn point.

* * * * * * *

After leaving Kadomon's shop, Subaru had begun to wander again. He eventually found a place near the main street by an alley's entrance where he could rest for a bit and clear his head.

"Wallet... Check. Cell phone... Check. All my food's here and accounted for." He said to himself as he lifted his shirt. "And of course my wounds are healed an' my clothes're clean. Knowing all of this, there's only one possible explanation." He looked out to the street. "Time is resetting upon my death. Like I'm respawning in a video game." He looked at his bag of groceries again and pinched his chin between his index finger and thumb. "Hell of an ability, but what to call it? I know, I'll call it something cool. Like, 'Revival' or 'Temporal Recall.' I kind of like that one, but it's not practical for talking about. How about, 'Return by Death'? Nah, I think I can do better than that. Can't I? Anyway... If time has reset as many times as it has, then the debt I owe Satella is practically nonexistent. I could easily just go off and sell my phone, then use my knowledge of the modern world to create a paradise and make myself rich beyond compare!" Subaru leaned back against the wall as memories of Not-Satella began to resurface in his mind. After a moment, he made a decision. "Nah, as fun as *millionaire genius playboy* sounds, I still owe Not-Satella for saving me. I told her I owed her one, and I won't go back on my word." He clenched his fists tightly. "I'll save her, and her friends beca-" Before his thought was finished, his mouth was covered, and he was drug back into the alleyway to his right. When he finally came to his senses, there were four aggravatingly familiar faces in front of him. God damnit not again. How big *is* this damn alley!??? The boss was the one pinning him against the wall. The biggest one was latched onto Subaru's left arm.

"Hey, kid." He said, drifting his less than pleasant breath into Subaru's nose. Ah man, this guy must brush his teeth like once a month! "Give us everything you-"

"Help! Help! Someone, please, help me!" Yelled Subaru. I'm close to the street, so someone has to hear me! Ri- The leader struck him across the face and shoved him harder against the wall. Damn it, not again. The leader backed away as the muscular one grabbed Subaru's left arm and held him in place.

"Kill him, boys. I'll watch out for anyone that- Huh?" Said the leader, as a gloved hand tapped on his shoulder. He turned his head just in time for his cheek to catch a hard straight left punch from a person behind him. His head snapped backward, almost comically with his mouth trailing blood through the air as he fell to his knees. Oh my god, someone actually came. The man that had hit the leader had bright red hair that stuck almost straight up in the middle. His sparkling blue eyes were the color of the sea. The determined look in his eyes could only be described as 'daring.' With only one glance at his fair face, you instantly knew this man was a cut above the rest. He was slender and tall and wore white clothes complemented with gold. His gloves were as crisp and white as his clothes. There were two swords on his hips. On his left hip was a simply made two-handed longsword sheathed in a dark blue scabbard. On his right was a far more ornate and detailed golden-handled one sheathed into a light gray scabbard. His dark-colored boots were mostly hidden by his long white pants. Subaru felt as if an air of intimidation was emanating from him. At least, that's what he felt based on the reactions of the thugs. The lips of the one with two knives was trembling, and his eyes were terrified. The others were practically shaking at the knees.

*A/N: This is when the OST "Takt of Heroes" plays. Use YouTube or any music playing app for a more immersive experience.*

"That's enough now." Said the man with a smooth, yet appropriately semi-deep, youthful voice. This guy has to be at least nineteen or twenty.

"Burning red hair and eyes like the ocean..." Said the muscular one. "An ornate sword with scratches made by Dragon claws... It can't be..."

"Well, now, aren't you smart?" Said the man.

"That's him." Said the one with two knives. Subaru hadn't noticed it before, but his teeth whistled every time he made an 'S' sound. "It's the scarlet savior, the sword saint, the Spirit of Saldado, slayer of the six-headed serpent! The Master Swordsman, Reinhard." The man pinched the bridge of his nose with his index finger and thumb and sighed.

"How about you stay away from words with 'S'? Anyway, if you know who I am, I suggest you reconsider your actions. Even with my *modest* strength, we wouldn't want this to come to blows, would we?" Said Reinhard. The thugs were trembling still, their fear of the man in front of them denying their voices any release. "I implore you to leave. Otherwise, I might have to take action." His narrowed eyes took on a fierce look. "This mugging ends now." Just then, the group heard the sounds of explosions from a few streets over. The ground and buildings seemed to shake, nearly pitching everyone in the alley to the ground. Subaru knew what was happening. Reinhard looked back towards the street, just as the thug with the two knives snapped out of his daze and drew his blades before lunging at Reinhard's throat.

"I don't care *who* you are! You'll pay for what you did to the boss!" The red-headed knight moved with inhuman speed. His right hand gripped the handle of the sword on his left hip. He drew it out just enough to slam the pommel into the thug's stomach, knocking the wind out of him before sheathing the sword again. This guy's insane. As the thug stumbled backward, Reinhard held out out his left hand to him, flat with his palm out, fingers together. Then the man fell to the ground, unconscious with a slight exhale, his knives tumbling out of his hands as he hit the cobblestone street. Reinhard looked at the others as they held Subaru and pointed at the man on the ground.

"If you'd like to leave, I won't pursue you this time. Though I'm warning you," He patted the pommel of the ornate sword on his right hip. "if I have to use *this, then you'd best be prepared to fight for your life." The boy shook his head while the muscular man released Subaru's arm and backed up.

"T-take it easy... We won't cause any more trouble. As a matter of fact," He paused and picked up the boss' unconscious body then slung him over his shoulder. "We'll be leaving right now. Come on, runt." The boy backed away from Subaru and walked over to the man on the ground.

"Good decision." Said Reinhard as he stepped aside to let the men run past him with their friends on their shoulders. When they had finally gotten out of earshot, Reinhard looked at Subaru. "Are you alright?" Subaru nodded, prompting Reinhard to smile. "I'm glad we both got out of that one unscathed." Subaru heaved a sigh of relief. Then clenched his right hand into a fist and put it over his heart.

*A/N: This is when the OST "Fool" begins. Use YouTube or any music playing app for a more immersive experience.*

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart, sir! You helped me out without ever once giving it a second thought. I, Subaru Natsuki greatly admire your selfless act of-"

"Please hold that thought, Subaru." Reinhard held up his hand. "I'd love to stay and chat for a few, but with those explosions, there might be other people that need my help." Subaru nodded as he remembered what he had resolved to do. He was in a hurry as well. Perfect. Someone strong enough to make those guys run for the hills should be more than enough to help me with Elza and Norwood.

"Right. Listen, I'm heading for a giant wooden building in the slums. I have reason to believe that at about sunset, two people will arrive and murder the occupants. Please, you have to help me!" Reinhard nodded his head and pinched his chin between his index finger and thumb.

"I see. There's just one problem though: there are over 400 houses in the slums, and all of them are wooden. Without more to go on, it might take just short of forever for me to find the one you're talking about."

"I'm sorry, if I had more to go on I'd tell you." Reinhard thought for a moment.

"Alright, Subaru. But my job as a Knight orders that I must go and help the injured. We could go to this place together if you were to wait a few minutes."

*A/N: "Fool" cuts off right about here.*

"I'm sorry, but I can't wait. I have to go right now." Subaru turned around and started to jog away. "Thanks again, Reinhard!" He called as he disappeared behind the alley's corner. Just as Reinhard began to walk after Subaru, a blonde girl ran through the alley directly past Reinhard. That's odd. He thought.

"Wait!" He called after her as she ran up and over the wall. He looked back toward the entrance of the alley just in time to see a girl with silver hair followed by a man in a black robe and gray shirt and a girl in a maid's uniform. I know those people.

"Arden!" The man looked back but didn't stop.

"Nevermind us just get to the street! There could be people hurt!" Reinhard nodded.

"Right." That boy, Subaru, his name is a little strange. I don't think he's from around here. When I see him again, I guess I'll have a few questions for him.

* * * * * * *

The first thing Subaru had noticed when he exited the alley was the absurd amount of people crowding the street. Then he noticed the small holes in just about every wall he saw. Then he overheard the people talking. This time that Felt had stolen the silver-haired girl's insignia, she had fought back with her ice magic while her companions tried to apprehend her. It was obvious things had quickly gotten out of hand with the destruction caused to the area. Quite a few stalls had been hit with an ice missile or two and had fallen apart. There were even about five people that had minor injuries from being too close to a collapsing stall or other such accidents. Then, like the third time around, Felt had managed to slip away, and her victims gave chase. Damn, I was too late. Thought Subaru. I wish I had gotten out of there faster. I might've been able to provide them with a heads up or something. Subaru shook his head and continued his walk toward the slums. Armed with his acquired knowledge, Subaru had decided on going directly to the loot house to have his cell phone appraised again by Roy so that he would already have the older adult on his side when he approached Felt with the offer. He needed to find a way to make Felt accept his offer without seeing Elza and Norwood's. But how the hell am I so supposed to do that? Wait! The kid's only interested in money, so if I can get Roy on board for a larger price than last time, then there should be a good chance I can get her to give me the insignia easier. But first, I have to find her. Considering everything that's happened, Felt's probably already given Not-Satella, Arden, and Rem the slip. But wait, the first time around Arden and Rem got to the loot house before Not-Satella and me. Why though? Then the second time, they all got there just after Elza killed Felt. Based on that, I'm guessing they'll inevitably show up at the loot house. Damn it; I wish I knew that sooner. I would've tried to get Reinhard to be on the lookout and try to keep her away from the loot house if he could. Oh well. I need the slums-dwellers to give me information. So based off of the first time, if I mess up my clothes, then they might be a little more forthcoming with telling me where Felt lives. Subaru grinned as he formulated his 'diabolical' scheme in his head while approaching the slums. Things're looking up for me.

* * * * * * *

Right about now, the sky was painted a brilliant golden hue by the dying sun as it sailed across the sky. It was almost sunset, which meant that Subaru didn't have much time for nonsense. After messing up his clothes enough to appear pitiful, the slum-dwellers were sympathetic to him. Sympathetic sufficient to tell him where to find Felt and the fastest route to the loot house. Conveniently, Felt's shack was on the way to Roy's loot house. As he approached the loot house, Subaru swore he could hear explosions in the distance. I don't think that's happened before. I'd probably remember something like that. Anyway, I don't even know if Felt'll come back to her house before the meeting. She might not if she's still being chased around. Subaru looked up at the sun. Nah, I don't she'd still be running from Not-Satella and the others. So what am I gonna-

"Ow!" During his determination-fueled power walk through the slums, Subaru hadn't been paying attention to his surroundings beyond glancing at each side of the road. He had just run directly into someone. "Oh, man, I am so sorr...y."

*A/N: This is when the OST "Re:verse" begins. Use YouTube or any music playing app for a more immersive experience.*

There was a couple in front of him—a girl with long black hair and a man with hair the color of rust.

"It's quite alright, kid. Are you ok?" The person he had run into was Norwood, the man that had proved himself to be more than enough to overpower Subaru, Felt, and Roy in the space of about ten seconds. Behind him and slightly to his right was Elza, the woman that had killed him, and presumably Felt and Roy, twice. Subaru's breath had unconsciously began to deepen, and his heartbeat had started to quicken. Subaru tried to regain his composure the second he noticed it failing.

"Me? Y-yeah, I'm fine. Sorry about running into you. I was kinda in a-"

"You don't have to be so scared." Said Elza. "We're not going to hurt you, so you have nothing to fear. Or is something else the matter?" How the hell?

"Scared? I'm not scared at all."

"Of course you are. You see, when a person is scared enough, they sweat. This 'fearful' sweat has a rather distinct smell. My sense of smell just happens to be sensitive enough to pick up on it." Her words sent shockwaves through Subaru's spine. Damn... I gotta get outta here. "Anyway, Norwood. We must be going for we have business to attend too." She tapped the man next to her on the shoulder and walked the way Subaru had just come from.

*A/N: "Re:verse" fades out right about here.*

Norwood followed after her after bidding farewell to Subaru. After the man with rust-colored hair had walked a few feet, he called back to Subaru.

"I feel as though we'll meet again soon. Take care!" Subaru thought he would pass out from the interaction, and finally let out a breath he had been holding in for a while and stood rooted to his place in the street for a moment to catch his breath. Man am I glad that's over. So they just wandered around for a while before they came to the loot house? If I didn't know what those two were capable of, then I wouldn't see anything wrong with it. I can't help but wonder if they killed anyone before they showed up. I mean, it's not outside of the realm of possibility for her to kill time by *killing* people. He shook his head. Whatever the case, I don't think Felt's place is too far from here. That guy said to keep heading this way for a few blocks. Wait a second, is it possible that Elza and Norwood killed her already? Subaru shook his head again. Nah, that didn't happen last time. So why would it happen this time? I need to stop thinking about nonsense.

* * * * * * *

Within less than ten minutes from his encounter with Elza and Norwood, Subaru reached a dilapidated shack under a tree resting up against the wall of a building with large chunks of its walls missing. The rectangular shed was small, about three-ish feet from front to back by about roughly six feet long. As for height, Subaru at 5'8 was about a foot and a half taller than it. It appeared as though just fitting two normal-sized people into it wouldn't be a simple task. Though Subaru guessed that considering Felt's small stature, the shack was perfect for her. I know I shouldn't peek, but I'm really curious. Damn, I'll have to make this quick. He approached the little shack. There was a curtain acting as a door. One half of it was hung up over a nail sticking out of the wall. Subaru saw into the small building from the open 'door.' Inside was basically a large and comfortable looking chair with a blanket neatly folded over the back of it and a pillow in the corner. On a tiny block of wood in every corner, he could see was an unlit candle. Man, this place looks better than I thought it would. But now I can understand her desire for money. Still though... This place seems kind of co-

"I know what you're thinkin', 'not bad for a thief,' right?" Said a voice from behind him. Subaru instantly recognized the voice as that of Felt and whirled around just as she drew her knife from behind her back. The way she looked was a little different from the other times he had seen her. She had a scrape on her right bicep and a small circle-shaped bruise just above her right ankle. She was also a little dirtier than he remembered. Though, with the damage to the street during her altercation with Not-Satella and her companions, Subaru knew that her getaway this time was quite a bit rougher than before.

"Wait! I know how this looks, but trust me. I've got a reasonable explanation." Said Subaru. In response, Felt lowered her knife slightly but still held a look of suspicion in her eyes. I don't like the look of this guy. Thought Felt. Snoopin' around my place.

"Well then hurry up, spit it out already. I'm kinda in a hurry, kid." Subaru inhaled a deep breath.

"I'm interested in something you've recently stolen." He said.

"Oh, so you're a customer." She said. "The fact that someone like you's come out here means ya' must have some business for me." Subaru was slightly confused.

"Wait, someone like me?"

"From the way ya' look, it's pretty obvious you're not from around here. You're clothes look pretty well made, and based on how filthy you are, I'd say that you're trying too hard to blend in. Plus, your hands look pretty frail. You honestly strike me as a nobleman's kid or somethin'." This kid's pretty damn observant. Thought Subaru. "So whaddya want? If it's something stolen, then I'll need the payment first."

"Man, you really got a professional business, don't you?"

"It's called making a living. If I didn't do this, then I'd have to... To..." She shook her head. "Anyway, there're also other things I'm capable of." She twirled the knife in her hand and swung it a few times. She obviously knows how to defend herself. Subaru knew that if he had to fight Felt, any altercation wouldn't last very long. And neither would he. "Like I said, though, I'm kinda in a hurry so out with it." Already having come this far from his original plan, Subaru thought that being indirect or trying to dodge the topic would only serve to worsen Felt's impression of him.

"My inquiry's about something you've already stolen. It's a little dark-colored stone with a tiny red jewel in the center surrounded by the design of a golden Dragon." Felt's eyes widened in shock. No way! Thought Felt. I only just stole that a little while ago, and this guy already knows that I took it? There's no way he could. News doesn't travel *that* fast around here, and the only one that knows I took it're the one I took if from and the client. Felt raised her knife again and pointed it at Subaru as her eyes narrowed. Somethin' isn't right here.

*A/N: The OST "Battle Dance begins" right about here. Use YouTube or any music playing app for a more immersive experience.*

Without warning, Felt lunged at Subaru with her knife and began swinging it at him.

"Hey, what the hell!?" Subaru yelled.

Subaru narrowly dodged her hits, sustaining only a few slashes to his tracksuit before Felt realized her opponent's little amount of agility would only allow him to continue avoiding her strikes. She had to hurry too; the client could be at the loot house any minute. She knicked him in the stomach, pushing him back into the outside wall of her shack just to the right of the door. She buried the blade of her knife into it just above Subaru's head as he gulped in surprise. She kicked her foot up against the wall, just missing Subaru's left ear.

"How do *you* know about that little trinket I stole? There's not really anyone else who knows I took it aside from the one who hired me, and the girl I snatched it from." Subaru stuttered. He hadn't come up with a reason for knowing. Damn, how could I be so stupid!? He screamed in his head. "Come on, spill!" When Subaru only responded with wide eyes and confusion, she tried to pull her knife from the shack's wall. Subaru rolled away to the right, just as Felt managed to pull her knife out of the wall and swing it at Subaru. He looked a little farther to the right. There! About ten feet from the shack was an overturned long rectangular table. He rolled toward it as Felt realized what he was heading for. She jumped toward him with her knife aimed at his chest just as Subaru hooked a leg of the table with his elbow and put it between himself and the blade. Felt landed and simultaneously stabbed the knife through the table, just barely an inch before hitting Subaru's chest. He brought his right foot up and kicked the table backward into Felt, causing her to fall backward and lose her knife. Subaru rolled onto his stomach and got to his knees, then stood up and grabbed the table's leg closest to him. He dislodged the knife and dropped it to the ground as Felt leaped at him. The second he looked up, Felt's face was mere inches from his. He threw himself backward, but not quickly enough to stop her head from landing a direct hit to his nose. He stumbled backward. Felt grabbed his hand and spun him around so that his back was to her shack. She push-kicked him again, causing him to lose his footing and fall into the small building.

*A/N: "Battle Dance" cuts off right about here.*

Felt ran over and picked up her knife. She turned around to see Subaru standing up. She pointed the knife at him again. "Tell me now!" Subaru was panting as the realization came to him. I guess I didn't really have any time to think earlier. Now's my only chance.

"I... I watched you take it from that girl in the street. I asked around an' found out you're the best thief for quite a ways. Naturally, I surmised that you took it." Felt blushed in embarrassment for her rushed actions.

"Oh." She simply said, then cleared her throat. "Sorry about that."

"I'm not hurt, so there's no worries." Said Subaru as he dusted himself off. "Anyway, like I said, I'm interested in the item."

"So's the person who hired me to steal it in the first place."

"But what if I told you I have in my possession a rare item worth more than twenty blessed gold coins?" Subaru smirked because since he had appealed to her base desire for money, he knew he had Felt's attention now. The corners of her mouth upturned in a small smile.

"Sounds like good money. I'd prefer that if you had it, though."

"Nope. Sorry. Broke as you."

"Wow, *rude*."

"Sorry. Anyway, " Subaru reached his hand into his pocket as Felt finally sheathed her knife. He pulled out his cell phone. "This is a rare magic item. A Metia called a cell phone. It has the power to capture and store a moment in time." Upon seeing the device, Felt raised her eyebrows slightly.

"It looks like a well made hand mirror to me." He took a picture of her, and a loud shutter sound rang out as the phone's bright light flashed. Subaru walked over and showed Felt the screen. "That's my face..." Felt looked up at Subaru.

"It's a one-of-a-kind item worth at least *twenty* blessed gold coins."

"It *is* unusual. I'll give you that much. But I doubt it's worth more than twenty blessed gold coins. I think I'm going to need a second opinion on it. I'm sure you can understand that I can't afford to take a chance on something like this and have it not pan out.

"I see your point."

"Don't worry, though; there's a loot house not far from here. The guy who lives there's pretty fair with appraisals." Figures. Thought Subaru. She's smarter than she looks. He nodded his head. Now I wish I could've got the older man's opinion first. I might've missed Felt though... And even then, there's also a chance she might attack me again for knowing too much.

"Yeah, I can see the reason in that." Said Subaru as he approached Felt. "Alright then, let's go. Right now, on the double." Subaru put his right hand on the center of Felt's back as she started walking and tried to hurry her along.

"Wait. What? What does that mean!?"

* * * * * * *

About twenty minutes had passed since their encounter with the boy that had run into Norwood. They had been walking for about roughly thirty minutes now. And the rust-haired young man was growing slightly restless. He wanted... No, needed to hit something. That would give the adrenaline he needed to stay awake... Hopefully.

"Miss Elza?" Started Norwood as he walked toward a large building ahead of him and Elza.

"Yes, Norwood?" She responded.

"What do you think those sounds are off in the distance?" The explosions were loud enough to be heard from at least a mile away. They seemed to be making their way toward the city's wall. Elza sighed and shook her head.

"I honestly don't know. It really could be any number of things."

"Hm." He looked at the attractive woman he was walking with. "I don't think you've told me exactly what to do if, for any reason, our deal should fall through. What did the client say should be done?" Elza grinned.

"I believe their exact words were, 'By any means necessary, obtain the item. If they deny it to you, deny them life.' " Norwood grinned now too.

"With pleasure." He said as he looked up at the sly with a look of cold-hearted determination in his eyes—the look of insatiable greed and near-sadistic battle lust.

* * * * * * *

After accidentally meeting up with Felt, the pair made their way through the slums to the loot house. I don't trust this guy that much. Thought Felt. I'm tryin' to get a better read on him, but he's a mystery.

"Hey, Felt?" Said Subaru, interrupting Felt's thoughts.

"Hm?" She responded.

"Could we maybe stop messin' around an' go the loot house already?" Felt was shocked.

"How did you-"

"Like you, kid, I'm smarter than I look. I don't know my way around here all that well, but I'm confident in my sense of direction. Plus, the way we've been zig-zagging around like this, even *I'm* going to get suspicious." Subaru looked down and to his left, where Felt had shrugged and went silent. She doesn't trust me. Thought Subaru. She probably thinks I know too much. Seriously though, at least try to be sly when we're walking in circles. Subaru looked to his right on the side of the street. I've seen that same collapsed wall at least twice in the last few minutes. "I know it's asking too much for you *not* to doubt me, and from your perspective, my offer probably sounds too good to be true, so I really can't blame you for wanting some extra time to look me over." Subaru looked ahead. He swore the explosions he had heard earlier were getting closer. He tried looking to try and see if he could find the direction they were coming from. He thought they were coming from back behind him and Felt, and far to the right. I wonder what those damn things could be. I've been hearing them for a while now. Could they be-

"So you've figured all that out, and you're not mad?" Subaru sighed.

"No. I'm not." Felt breathed a sigh of relief.

"Good. It'd be pretty awkward walking in silence all the way there." They finally arrived at an intersection. She pointed to the right. "It's just up this way." At that, Subaru picked up his pace. "Hey, what's your problem? Slow down. Why're you in such a hurry?" Subaru grumbled in response. Felt looked up at Subaru. "You're sweating like crazy..." She shrugged her shoulders. "Oh well, anyway, live strong."

"Ya' know some other people said that to me a while ago. Is it like a slogan or something?"

"Look, don't lump me in with those other guys. They're all talk. They don't 'live strong' at all. They're nothin' but a bunch of stingy losers who've got nothing going for them."

"Wow, that's pretty harsh. Judgemental much?" In response to Subaru's retort, Felt ran ahead of him just as they were about to cross over a small wooden bridge. In the distance, the explosions were getting slightly louder. Yet farther apart.

"I'm not like the other people around here, okay? I have *no* intention of livin' out the rest o' my life in these dingy, dirty back alleys!" She suddenly blurted out. Subaru raised his eyebrows. He understood her greedy nature now. She wanted to leave the slums the first real chance she got, to leave the place that had brought her misery. At the root of her actions was a desire for something more.

"Is that so? And you think twenty blessed gold coins is enough to make these dreams of your's come true?"

"Not by themselves, but it would be a huge leap toward my goal." She looked down and away from Subaru, toward the water beneath her. "Even if I were alone, it's not like I couldn't get by with some effort." Wait what?

"Even if... You were alone...?" He remembered her interactions with Old Man Roy back at the loot house his second time around.

*A/N: Right about here is when the OST "Touching You" begins. For a superior experience while reading, please consider using YouTube or any other music playing app.*

Felt shook her head and clicked her tongue as if dismissing memories of her own.

"Just forget it." Oh... I get it now. Subaru smiled a bit. "What are you standing there smirking about!? You piss me off, ya' know that?"

"Don't worry about it." He said as he approached Felt. He put his right hand on her head and started to ruffle her messy blond hair.

"Hey!" This kid... Just like that other girl, whatever her name is, she saved me too. Subaru nodded as he solidified his new solution while Felt continued. I'll save everyone. Everyone that's done something for me. Not-Satella, for rescuing me from those thugs. That one guy, Arden, I think it was, for trying to help me just before my second death. "I'm warning you; I'm a biter!" That maid, Rem, right? For being a pretty girl and one of Not-Satella's friends... Ok, so she hasn't done anything for me personally but still. Felt, for-

"*OOOOWWWW*!!" Subaru screamed as a pair of Vampire-like fangs tore into his right hand.

*A/N: "Touching You" ends here.*

* * * * * * *

As the sky glowed its bright golden hue at sunset, Arden walked alone through the slums in search of the loot house Felt supposedly did business in under the protection of an older Giant named Roy. He and Rem had been separated from their master this time while winding through the back alleys of the capital in pursuit of a certain blonde thief girl. She had caused quite the ruckus, manipulating gravity to disperse the crowded street then swiping the insignia from their master's pocket. The ensuing, short-lived and violent, interaction had caused chaos and might've even been the end for at least one or two lives. Hmmm... Thought Arden as he walked. She really could've handled herself better, though. She was taught better than to throw around her Magic like she did. But, she was upset. Arden sighed. At least an hour ago, he had decided that he and Rem should split up to cover more ground. Though now, he couldn't help but silently berate himself for sending her off on her own. It's not like she's defenseless, though. But still... He shook his head. The current situation can't be helped. At least, not right this second. What seemed like explosions were still going off around the slums. What the hell's with those damn sounds? Arden looked ahead down the street and squinted. Up against the wall of the city was a low building.

"Well blessed be, I think I've found the place." He looked toward the faraway building and smirked slightly. Let's take care of business.

* * * * * * *

"An appraisal?" Asked Old Man Roy as he stared at the two youths in front of him with a raised eyebrow.

"That's right." Said Subaru with a nod of his head. "It's for this thing right here." He pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and set it on the counter in front of Roy. The older man picked it up and studied it in his hands. It seemed that the metallic look of the phone was what first caught Roy's eye. The thing looks like a tiny little toy in his large hands. Thought Subaru. Wait, isn't he supposed to be a Giant or something? He shook his head. "I need you to guarantee its worth to Felt."

"Hmm..."

"It's a Metia, a powerful Magic item with the power to capture and store a moment in time."

"Oh, really now? I've never dealt with one o' them before. This could get interesting." Roy held out the object to Subaru. "And how does it work? Show me." Subaru took the cell phone back. He flipped it open and pointed the camera at the towering older adult before him.

"Hold still, okay?" The older man nodded. "Now, it's gonna make a kinda loud sound, then flash a bright light." The older adult nodded again.

"Quit wastin' time an' just do the thing already!" Subaru took his picture, making Roy blink several times and turn his head. "Man, you weren't kiddin' about that light..." Subaru turned the phone to show Roy the screen.

"See?"

"That's... " He looked at Subaru. Then back to the screen and shook his head. "Wow..." He stood up straight. "Kid, this Metia here's easily worth at least fifteen- no, *twenty* blessed gold coins." He turned to Felt. "Hear that?" As the blonde girl nodded her head, Subaru clenched his fists in excitement and smiled.

"See Felt? Just like I said." Said Subaru as Felt nodded her head again. "Now if we're done talkin' whaddya ya' say we go get something to celebrate a properly completed sale? Let's go go go!" He reached for the insignia Felt had set on the counter earlier. She slapped his hand away.

"Hold it." Said Felt. "How come you're in such a hurry to leave?" Subaru was taken aback.

"W-well ya' know what they say, 'life doesn't last forever' righ- "

"Cut the crap." She narrowed her eyes, and with a calm attitude, struck at the heart of her doubts. "If I've got two interested parties willing to pay as much as twenty blessed gold coins all for this little thing..." She grabbed and held up the insignia. "It must be pretty special. So why do *you* want it so badly?"

* * * * * * *

The silver-haired girl hummed as she made her way toward the loot house that was supposed to be the location at which most, if not all, the stolen goods ended up in the Capital. I can't believe I let it get taken in the first place! She thought as she walked. If word gets out that I lost it, they'll dislike me even more than they already do. I'll be the laughing stock of the candidates! She started to walk faster. I *can't* let that happen. Not now. She looked up at the wooden and brick building before her. It looks pretty old. She shrugged her shoulders and breathed in. Oh well. I can't turn back now. She approached the building, completely unaware of the dangers lurking in the shadows on the opposite side of the street.

* * * * * * *

With only a stare in her direction as an answer to her question, Felt sighed and her mouth, just moments ago a tight line, loosened up into a mischievous smile.

"Ya' know if I slow down and think about it," She started, her voice as cold as ice. "you're trying to steal this away from the people who hired me to steal it in the first place. So just what is this thing? It's worth more than it looks, isn't it? That has to be why everyone wants it. In other words, it could even be worth more than this Metia."

"Hang on just a sec' Felt!" Yelled Subaru. Damn it if things drag on any longer, Elza and Nor- There was suddenly a loud, insistent knock at the door. No. No! No! No! It was too late.

"Is that the client?" Asked Roy.

"Probably, how unexpected." Said Felt as she started walking to the door. "I guess the *clients* are here." All compassion in Felt's voice had ceased to exist. As she approached the door, Subaru felt an overwhelming amount of dread and terror.

*A/N: In the anime, the OST "Hexentanz" starts playing as Felt walks toward the door, and Subaru has flashes of memories flash through his head. For a clearly superior experience, listen to the OST while reading.*

She grabbed the door's handle at the same time it seemed to be pushed in from the outside. Memories of Subaru's second death flooded his mind.

"Felt! Please don't; we'll all be killed!!" Yelled Subaru as the bright light of sunset swept into the almost tangible dimness of the cellar. Then, a figure stepped into view.

*A/N: "Hexentanz" should cut off right about here with a record scratching sound effect. Simultaneously, Ending One should fade in.*

"What do you mean, 'be killed'?" Said the familiar figure. No way!! "I'd never do anything so insidious!" Felt half cringed, half jumped backward.

"Why the hell are *you* here!?" Yelled Felt as she recognized the person who's item she stole.

Who could've guessed this?

Thank you for reading.

Please leave a review.

A/N: The jokes this chapter were from The Boiis parody of Re:Zero,

Re:ZERO Abridged - Episode 2

You should really check out their videos on YouTube. And no, sadly, I'm not working with them or anything like that. *

Until the next Chapter,

Hellbeast115