A.N.: I'm baaaaaack! I will say this, this chapter is where the suffering really begins; And well. This is arc 4. And despite some changes to how interactions and events go, it will remain arc 4. So, you know. Expect things to get graphic. Thank you all for reading the story so far, I hope you will continue to enjoy it as much as I have been enjoying writing it!
"So that's how it went, huh." Harisson said softly as he handed over a warm meal to the villager in front of him.
"Afraid so. They haven't treated us roughly, but the implication is clear." The villager grumbled. Harisson frowned, his eyes drifting to the many villagers currently being kept effective prisoners within the building. The one in front of him, Boras, had just finished recounting what had happened to them as they arrived in the Sanctuary. Thankfully, it seemed the villagers hadn't been treated violently. It was small comfort to Harisson as he looked at their scared and troubled faces.
"I'm sorry I can't help more than this." Harisson's hands clenched tightly as he turned back to the cooking station.
"It helps plenty." Boras chuckled. "It's nice to have someone make some nice warm meals again. Real boost to morale." Harisson smiled softly to himself.
"I'm glad to hear it." He sighed internally. Last night's revelations still weighed heavily on him. He wasn't quite sure what to do going forward, frankly. His determination aside, he was still incredibly weak compared to the forces arrayed against them. Garfiel alone seemed incredibly strong and fast, far beyond what Harisson himself could withstand in terms of physical capability; And who knew what the strange child-like Ryuzu could do. The staff would indicate a magical user, though he knew appearances could be deceiving. Regardless, she was an unknown variable. Meanwhile, their side possessed in terms of power Emilia, who was a powerhouse in her own right, Otto, the villagers... He wished he could add Ram to that list, but he honestly could not say where she stood here. Or rather, he could not tell where Roswaal stood. The Margrave was plotting something, it was clear as day. What it was, however, Harisson had no clue. Regardless, whatever the lord decided to do would decide what Ram would do. As such, he could hardly include her on their side. For all he knew, they might end up enemies depending on what Roswaal had planned.
Finally, they had Subaru. Strength wise, he was fairly average, though on the strong side if Harisson was honest. Stronger than Harisson himself was at least. Of course, that wasn't Subaru's real strength. That would be his willpower. His sheer ability to pull through impossible odds and succeed.
And of course, that power of his.
To come back. If it came down to it...
His heart clenched painfully as he nearly cut his own finger, the knife slamming hard into the table.
"Harisson?" A voice called out concerningly.
No. He couldn't start thinking that way. He refused. He would not see his friend as some... some way of getting it right. He could not casually disregard dangers in favor of letting Subaru die to fix the mistakes they make. To do so would be to consider his death as insignificant. That they did not matter, even when he so clearly remembered and suffered from the consequences of the power; Haunted by the memories of his deaths.
"Harisson?" The same voice called out, failing to pierce the fog of Harisson's thoughts.
He could not see things this way. He would not see Subaru this way, would not treat him this way. No matter how hard he had to fight, he would not consider Subaru's power into his calculations.
He'd rather slit his own throat.
Who's Rem?
Like he'd done himself.
Bile rose in his mouth as he placed a hand over it, a wave of nausea overcoming him.
"Harisson!" Finally, the voice snapped him out of it.
"Huh?" He turned around, finding a concerned looking Otto staring at him. It seemed a few of the villagers were also giving him concerned glances. "Oh, sorry Otto. I didn't notice you there."
"Yeah, I could tell..." The merchant grumbled. "Anyways, you look an absolute mess. Are you alright?" Harisson opened his mouth to answer only for Otto to shake his head. "Never mind, you're obviously not. What's bothering you?"
"...Since when were you this direct?" Harisson answered, surprised.
"You're avoiding the question." Otto replied, refusing to be distracted.
"It's... it's nothing, Otto. Just the situation." Not exactly a lie. He hated having to deceive Otto like this, but with what happened the last time he let someone know his suspicions over Subaru's power, he didn't want to take the risk of seeing the poor merchant ripped apart by shadowy hands. "It's all messed up. I mean, I thought after the witch cult everything would be fine but..." Otto sighed.
"I know what you mean. It's just one mess after the other. At least no one's trying to kill us this time." Harisson shrugged.
"I guess." So far at least. "I just wish we could all head home. As bad as I feel for the people stuck here, it's not fair on the villagers to keep them trapped as well."
"Well, they seem quite desperate to leave... and they must have tried other methods before. Risking angering the Margrave must be a desperate move." Otto commented, to which Harisson hummed thoughtfully.
"You make a good point. Still though... the children will be waiting anxiously, and we can't even send a letter to tell them we're fine." Harisson finished cutting the piece of meat, setting it to sizzle. "I just don't like it."
"Neither do I. I'm sure mister Natsuki will figure something out though." Harisson frowned.
"He shouldn't have to. For Od sake, we have the Margrave and a royal candidate here. Why does Subaru have to be the one to figure out a solution?" Otto shrugged helplessly.
"Well, he seems to know what he is doing most of the time..." Otto paused. "Some of the time."
"Hah! Good one." Harisson chuckled. "I suppose we just have to put our trust in him then. Though..." He glanced at Otto. "Surely it can't hurt for us to try and help along the way, right?"
"...Right." Otto nodded, a strange gleam in his eyes. "We can't let him shoulder everything."
"Glad we agree." They both exchanged a nod, understanding passing through them.
One person Harisson knew he could rely on to help him keep Subaru safe.
Emilia did not succeed in the trial that day.
The second attempt ended much the same way the first one did; With a hysterical Emilia, an extremely concerned Subaru and an annoyed Garfiel. The reactions from the others were mixed, but there was a palatable tension in the air. One that Harisson would have been blind to miss.
"This is becoming a problem." Harisson muttered to himself as he watched Subaru bring Emilia into the house, leaning against a tree.
"The trials are difficult. Lady Emilia can hardly be expected to succeed immediately." Ram, who was standing next to him, commented in turn.
"That's not my issue. For all I care, Emilia shouldn't even have to do these trials." Harisson snorted. "I'm sure she would attempt them even if the villagers hadn't been taken hostage. It's the fact that they have that pisses me off."
"Your anger will serve no one here." Harisson sighed at Ram's blunt words.
"Maybe not. But if I don't feel at least somewhat pissed off, that's as good as expecting this situation is okay." Ram gave him a questioning look.
"Is that how you see things?"
"Of course. The only way to not be angry at injustice is to either not care, or feel the person on the receiving end deserves it." He caught a glance of the scrunched up face of Emilia, silently sobbing as the door closed on her. "It just infuriates me that of all people, its Emilia that has to deal with the hardship of this situation."
"The world isn't a fair place. Complaining will change nothing." Ram soberly noted.
"Complaining is a start to changing things. If you don't point out the issues, how in the world are they ever going to change?" Harisson crossed his arms. "The first murderer to be jailed was done so because someone pointed at them and said 'This isn't right' and stood for those who suffered."
"You are even more self-sanctimonious than Barusu. No wonder you get along so well with him." She patted his head. "Just make sure not to let too much of his Barusuness rub off on you. You're at least somewhat tolerable, I'd hate for that to change."
"Oi." He huffed amusedly, brushing her hand off. "It's just... Emilia is too used to the abuse. Too used to being treated like shit to think it's okay for her to get angry at it." He frowned deeply. "Someone has to get angry for her. I'm glad she has Subaru for that, but he's so focused on helping others he always forgets about himself." He sighed, putting his head into his hands. "They're both idiots in many ways. Someone needs to look out for them, lest they get used and abused by the world."
"And you think you can do that?" Ram asked. There was no mocking in her words, surprisingly enough.
"Eh. Not really. I mean, I can try, but in the end I can only do so much." Harisson shrugged. "But I can be that first voice that points out the injustice, and hope others will join me in trying to rectify it."
"How disgustingly honest of you." Ram sighed as she brushed her maid outfit off. "I suppose there are worse reasons to look out for others."
"I'll take that as a compliment coming from you." He replied with a chuckle.
"Do as you will." She snidely answered him. "I will ask that you keep in mind your own weakness. I could kill you in an instant if I wished to do so, and so could many others."
"I am...painfully aware." Harisson answered darkly. She seemed caught off guard by this, giving him a somewhat concerned glance.
"I was jesting, you know. I would not kill you for no reason." She paused. "I am sure I would await at least a decent reason."
"How deeply reassuring." Harisson answered, pushing himself off the tree. "I guess I'll take that reassurance."
"...I did not mean to sound threatening." The somewhat suppressed tone in her voice was enough for him to give her a reassuring smile.
"I didn't take it that way, don't worry. Just... you know. The recent witch cult attack put things into perspective." He laughed, though it sounded fake even to his own ears. "We commoners are frighteningly weak, aren't we."
"Yes." He winced at the blunt response. "But it is the duty of people with strength to stand guard and defend the people."
"Like Lord Roswaal and Emilia?" He asked softly.
"For example." He snorted.
"I see." He stayed silent. "It's frustrating being one of those always protected. Never able to protect."
"You have been helping more than you seem to think. Barusu has always been calmer and more clear minded after spending some time with you."
"That's not enough." Thirteen deaths. Multiple of which happened whilst he was near or even right next to Subaru. The words came out harsher than he expected, and he tried to reel his frustration back in. "I've tried learning how to use a sword, but without a teacher it's just meaningless flailing. I've tried exercising, but with so little time and no experience... Od, I could be overpowered by Subaru." She stared at him silently as he stood there, frustration etched on his face despite his best efforts. "I don't have magic. I don't have strength. It's..." He sighed deeply. "It's frustrating."
"Alright." She nodded. "Then let's get to work weakling." He blinked, looking at her confused.
"Eh?" She grabbed his hand, dragging him into the forest, his futile attempts to resist overpowered by the maid's sheer strength. "Oi, oi! Hold on, what are you..." She whipped her head around, glaring at him with such intensity it silenced him instantly.
"I cannot take any more of your whining and whinging. This sort of thing is suitable for Barusu. Not for you. If you have an issue, fix it." She turned away and once again dragged him further into the woods. "No use waiting. Let's get started."
"What do you mean, get star..." His breath was knocked out as she pulled him hard, thrusting him into an open clearing in the middle of the dense forest. He stumbled, nearly falling on his ass as the maid strode confidently to the centre of the clearing before turning to him.
"Now! We will begin your training." His eyes widened.
"Wait... are you being serious?" Ram glared at him, hands falling on her hips.
"Oh? Do you have an issue with Ram being your trainer? Do you perhaps think someone like Barusu would be more suitable?" She scoffed. "That idiot can barely tie his shoes together, let alone train someone." Harisson frowned, glaring back at her.
"Hey! That's uncalled for!" Her lips ticked up into a smug grin.
"Oh? And what will you do to stop me? Rant at me with your words? Convince me I am a bad person?" Her smile turned vicious. "I. Don't. Care. If you want to shut me up, you will have to make me." Harisson's hands clenched.
"I know what you are doing. But you shouldn't use violence against someone just because they disagree." Ram rolled her eyes.
"Obviously. If that were the case, I would have punted Subaru into the ceiling on more than one occasion. But you said it yourself. Sometimes, words aren't enough." She crossed her arms, her gaze turning challenging. "So here you stand. Powerless to defend your friends. Unable to back your desires and your reckless want to keep them safe. A mere pup barking up in the face of the incoming storm." She pointed a finger at him. "So, what will you do? Will you continue barking uselessly, or will you seek to back up your lofty claims! Will you sharpen your fangs, and stand confident in the face of what is to come?" Harisson stood there, watching as Ram challenged his conviction. He was a mere commoner. What right did he have to stand amongst these nobles, these heroes?
No right.
But it was not a question of right, was it.
They were his friends. His first real friends.
He'd do anything to keep them safe.
"I'll do it." A smile appeared on Ram's lips.
"I didn't hear you there."
"I'll do it! If you can make me strong, I'll do anything!" She grinned wildly, the sight of it so unsettling on the usually unflappable Ram that Harisson almost took a step back.
"Good. Then no use wasting time." She jumped in the air, startling him as she landed right in front of him. "Training starts now. Your first exercise: Survive." He gulped as he actually took a step back.
"I... I see. Any special instructions?"
"I can use healing magic, so don't be afraid to fight back." She smiled. "In exchange, I will not hold back."
"Please be gentle." Her smile grew softer as she walked up to him, her hand gently caressing his face.
"Oh Harisson..." The hand slid to his throat, clenching tight. "No."
The ground shook as she slammed his face into it.
"Watch your left foot!" Harisson jerked his leg into action, barely avoiding the rock that would have no doubt made him stumble had he stepped on it. "Right!" He quickly dodged to the side, barely avoiding the fist surging towards his face. "Don't ignore the rest of your opponent's body!" With those words, the kick he'd failed to notice went crashing into his side, knocking the breath from him as he was sent flying a few metres into a nearby tree, letting out a pained cry as he fell to the ground. "Get up!" The red haired maid glared at him, stepping towards him with threatening eyes. "Do you think witch cultists will wait for you to get over your pain?! GET UP!" She snarled, winding up for a vicious kick towards his fallen body. With a panicked grunt Harisson rolled out of the way, scrambling to get to his feet only to receive a fist in his nose. A snapping sound echoed through the clearing as his nose broke, a flare of pain coursing through his body. Harisson screamed as he brought his hand to his nose, blood pouring from it. The maid sighed, stepping up to him with a glowing hand. In a moment, the nose was back to normal, the pain a sharp yet quickly rescinding memory. "That was better. You lasted a whole twelve seconds before biting the dust."
"I... I spent most of that running away." Harisson noted, giving her a relieved smile as she finished healing him.
"Sometimes, running is the solution. Knowing when to avoid an attack and when to parry it is key to winning a fight." She shrugged. "You are a beginner at this. For now, any improvement in any area will do." Harisson sighed.
"I am in your hands." She nodded.
"Indeed. Now. Speaking of hands." Without warning, she aimed to slam her palm in his chin, Harisson quickly lunging backwards to avoid the strike. "Good. You're learning."
"You caught me three times with that trick! I'm not falling for it again!" He cried out.
"Is what he said, having fallen for it three times already." He could not help the embarrassed blush that came to his face at the admonishment. She dashed towards him, raising a foot high in the air.
Some might have taken the opportunity to see what was hidden underneath the maid's skirt.
Harisson was far more concerned about the imminent threat of an axe kick to his face.
With a yelp, he rolled to the side and jerked back to his feet, putting some more distance between himself and the maid.
"Good. You didn't peek. You already beat my expectations of Barusu with that." Harisson chuckled nervously.
"I am already struggling to stay alive, I don't want to piss you off even more." She clapped sarcastically.
"Look at that. And he's clever as well. What a good puppy." He blinked, and she was looming over him, swinging a kick to his head with dead eyes. "Now sit." It was only from having been under constant attack by the maid for the past hour or so that Harisson was able to dodge the attack, sheer reflex throwing him to the floor and making him roll to the side to avoid the inevitable follow-up from Ram, which came in the form of an earth shattering kick where his chest had once been. He rolled a little further away, trying to get back up only to find himself smacked across the face across the clearing. He let out a rasp of pain as he crashed into the forest floor, forcing himself back to his feet.
His body was screaming. His face was throbbing with pain. Ram had already been forced to use healing magic a dozen times for various injuries he'd accumulated surviving her onslaught.
And yet.
This wasn't even a drop in the bucket compared to the pain of death. A pain he'd experienced himself, no matter how fleeting the memory of it. One that Subaru had to live with, no matter where he went.
And so, he silently prepared himself for Ram's next attack.
"Running away is good, but it isn't enough. You need to strike back eventually. Otherwise, you leave the initiative solely to your opponent." Ram commented as she slowly walked towards him. "Like this!" With that, she raised a hand. "Al..." His eyes widened. She couldn't be serious. "Fuma!" She sliced her hand downwards, a burst of wind surging towards him at tremendous speed, only visible from the sheen of magic shimmering from it. He couldn't help himself. He screamed in fear.
The wind blade missed him by a solid five metres, creating a deep gash into the earth as a cloud of dust emerged at the impact. He fell to his knees, his legs trembling as he tried to contain the surge of fear that had taken him. He couldn't help the small whimper that escaped him.
"That, Harisson. Was magic." Ram walked up to him, extending a hand. Despite the fact she'd been beating him black and blue for the past hour, and their recent issue with the revelation of her spying, he didn't hesitate to grab it. "You haven't had much exposure to it, have you?" She asked, not unkindly.
"No. I..." He shivered. "Not on the receiving end of it. I've barely ever seen it." He laughed hysterically, raising his shaking hands. "I... I can't stop shaking. Od, what a coward." Ram huffed.
"Magic is a powerful thing. For someone like you who is unable to defend yourself from it, being afraid is the smart thing. I'd be more worried if you were not scared." She grabbed both his hands, stilling the shaking. "You aren't ready to learn magic yet. I cannot unlock your gate, that is something that we will have to leave to either Lady Beatrice or Lord Roswaal when he is recovered. What I can do, is help you lay down the bases for both magic and for physical aptitude." She continued holding his hands as he took deep breaths, feeling himself calm down as she spoke. "You will never be a Reinhardt; Nor will you be able to match the likes of Lady Emilia or Lord Roswaal. But I promise you this." Her grip on his hands grew tighter. "I will help you get stronger." He was silent for a moment.
"...Why? Why do you bother?" He eventually said, his voice shaking. "I'm just... just some nobody. Just some innkeeper, who got involved in things too big for him."
"And I am a lowly maid, trying her best to help her master. Neither of us are nobles, great spirits or sword saints. But..." She grew silent, her eyes closed in annoyance. "We..." She gulped. "I consider us..." She lowered her eyes, unable to meet his gaze. "...Friends." Her voice was small as she said the words, but Harrison heard her words all the same. His eyes grew wide, glistening in the sunlight as they grew wet. Much more confidently, she continued. "And since you seem to be so stubbornly sticking by our side, I intend to make sure you can keep up."
"Ram..." He said, his voice trembling with emotion.
"So you better prepare yourself. Because I will push you past the limits of your endurance, past what you can handle." She glared fiercely at him. "And you will do it, because I don't want to have your dumbass death on my conscience. Got it?" He laughed, tears running down his face.
"I...sniff. I got it." The smile on his face could not have been happier. "My friend."
"Good." With that, she socked him right in the jaw, snapping his head to the side.
"Gah! I wasn't ready!" Ram angrily kicked him in the leg.
"Witch cultists won't wait until you are!" He screamed as she began chasing after him, her eyes glowing menacingly. As he ran away desperately, he missed her expression softening, a small smile on her face.
Friends.
What a warm feeling.
"So, how has training with nee-sama gone?" Subaru asked Harisson, a sympathetic look on his face as the innkeep laid against a tree near the building they were staying at.
"Buuuuuuh..." Harisson mumbled, his eyes vague.
"I don't think it went very well, mister Natsuki." Otto commented, standing next to Subaru.
"Aw c'mon, it can't have been that bad..." Subaru paused. "I mean, it is Ram, so I'm sure she was harsh, but she seems to actually like Harisson."
"Does she? It seems more like she tolerates him to me." Subaru patted Otto's shoulder, a pitying smile on her face.
"Otto, you naive boy. From Ram, that means she might as well have adopted him." Otto looked at the exhausted form of Harisson thoughtfully. "She's what they call a Tsundere."
"Subaru..." Harisson's raspy voice caught the raven haired boy's attention. "What, by the Od, is a zun... tzundaire?"
"It's tsundere, and it's what Ram is." Subaru answered with a wise expression.
"Somehow, I feel she would punch you if she heard you say that." Harisson mumbled.
"Thereby proving my point!" Subaru exclaimed.
"So a tsundere is a violent person, who diminishes the affection they feel towards people, thereby making small actions reflective of greater feelings?" Otto eventually said, Subaru staring at him with wide eyes.
"My god Otto... you actually nailed it in one try. No wonder people tease you all the time." Otto stammered at Subaru's words.
"Wha... mister Natsuki! Don't say that!"
"Huh. I..." Harisson frowned. "I'm not sure that really applies. But what do I know." He winced. "Still, I knew Ram was strong, but Od she hits hard."
"You should see her sister. Rem is so much stronger." Otto's expression shifted to one of slight awkwardness as Harisson chuckled.
"I remember plenty. The holes in my walls were proof enough." He winced at the searing headache that came with recalling the memories. "Still, I think Ram could do the same if she really tried."
"Oh, I wasn't referring to that." Subaru replied. "You should have seen her massacre those mabeasts. It was kind of terrifying." He chuckled. "Definitely someone you don't want to be on the bad side off." There was something slightly off about the way his voice wavered near the end of that sentence that made Harisson narrow his eyes at the youth. His eyes glanced at the numbers above Subaru's head.
Did he mean...
No. Surely not. Subaru loved Rem to pieces, it was obvious to anyone who witnessed the boy's concern towards her. And from Harisson's memories, the maid was equally as infatuated with him. Od, she'd gone in the forest to get ripped apart by ulgarm for his sake, hadn't she? No way something like that could have happened. If it had, it would be impossible for Subaru to continue looking at Rem's unconscious body with the same care and love.
Right?
"Well, I'm sure I'll get to witness her strength in person. After all, once this is done, we'll be working to get her back, won't we?" Subaru blinked in surprise at Harisson's words, before a brilliant smile spread across his face.
"Right!" He turned to the house. "Well, I should go check on Emilia-tan. You boys avoid getting yourselves in trouble now won't ya?"
"Says the one who went off after the witch be damned white whale!" Harisson exclaimed back at the chuckling Subaru as he headed back towards the house.
"I'm amazed you can actually face Ram, even in training. The woman terrifies me." Harisson shrugged at Otto's words.
"I know she wouldn't actually do anything permanent to me." Not in training at least. "Weird as it might sound, I trust her." Otto sighed.
"Well, it's your body in the end. You choose how to use it." Harisson blushed, slapping the grinning merchant on the arm.
"Oi! Phrasing!"
"Mah, mah. I apologize." They stayed in peaceful silence for some time, standing side by side staring at the sky. "I really hope Lady Emilia will succeed in the trials soon."
"I don't doubt she will." Harisson said. "She's stronger than people think, and with Subaru at her side I doubt there's much they can't overcome."
"I'm not so sure about that..." Otto muttered. Harisson gave him an inquisitive look.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm worried that Subaru is..." Otto sighed. "Overprotective? Lady Emilia..." Otto looked around, as if worried someone would overhear him. "I don't think the people around her have given her much chance to struggle through problems with her own strength."
"I feel that's a bit of an unfair way of putting it." Harisson said with a frown. "I see where you are coming from, but I mean, we don't have much context. I'm pretty sure Subaru letting Emilia deal with the witch cult on her own would have resulted in disaster."
"I know, I know. Just... she has to face these things herself as well, you know?" Otto shrugged. "I'm not really sure where I'm going with this, but it's just... a feeling I have." Harisson pondered on the words for a moment, before sighing.
"Well, who knows. We'll just have to see how things go I guess. I just don't want to be stuck here for too long. I have to head to the capital after all."
"Trouble there?" Otto asked.
"The previous innkeep, a relative of mine. He seemed to be in trouble and asked for my help." Harisson shrugged. "Not sure what I can do to help, but I can't just ignore this. I owe him a lot after all."
"I see." Otto stretched. "Well, I'm sure they can handle themselves for a few more days. Lady Emilia is a royal candidate. I doubt this will take much longer to be solved." Harisson nodded. "I'll be getting some sleep. Will you come along?" Harisson cocked an eyebrow.
"How bold of you Otto. Inviting me to bed so confidently." Otto blushed like mad, stammering rapidly.
"I...i...idiot! This isn't what I mea... Gah!"
"Is this this 'tzundaire' that Subaru mentioned?"
"It's tsundere, and no it isn't!" Otto said indignantly. "I'm heading to bed!"
"Hey Otto!" The merchant turned to him as he headed to the building. "Thanks for keeping me company." The merchant sighed.
"Of course. We commoners have to keep each other's backs after all." With that, the merchant left Harisson alone. The innkeeper's smile slowly faded away as he stared up at the sky, his thoughts racing.
So. Subaru had died before. Thirteen times, to be exact. He couldn't remember everything; Hell, he couldn't remember most of the things. However, the stronger the memory, the more intense events happening in them it seemed. As such, Harisson very vividly remembered the witch cultist blade piercing through him. He remembered the truly horrifying death at the hand of... well. Hands. And of course, he remembered Subaru stabbing himself in the neck.
Harisson let out a shaky sigh, nausea almost making him throw up. Slowly, he hugged himself, his eyes wide as the memory flashed in his mind over and over.
Od.
Od damn it!
To think... and he hadn't been able to stop it. He'd been powerless to do anything but watch as his friend... He punched his leg.
No. Enough. He would just drive himself insane if he kept dwelling on this. Everytime he circled back to it and plunged himself into a spiral of near madness. He needed to be strong for his friends. His aching muscles cried out as he rose to his feet.
Some rest would do him good.
Three failures. This was becoming problematic.
"Garfiel is growing impatient." Ram commented as she thrust a fist towards his face, Harisson sidestepping it before answering with a strike of his own, easily parried by the maid. She wasn't being as oppressively overwhelming as yesterday, giving him opportunities to strike back and imposing a rhythm he struggled to keep up with but could actually follow with some effort.
"What do you think are the chances of him doing something stupid?" He grunted as she kicked him in the shins, taking a quick step back to avoid the follow up to his groin.
"Decent. Barusu is currently discussing something with him however, so hopefully things will work out without any violence."
"Do you think you could take him if things went too far?" Harisson asked, wiping the sweat pearling at his brow. She took a stance, waiting for him to approach her.
"It depends on how seriously he's taking it. If he goes all out... no. I will not be able to stop him." Harisson winced at that, before lunging forth with a fury of blows, each deflected with contemptuous ease. "Focus your strikes. You're getting messy."
"Right. Sorry." He took a step back, calming his pace with more precise punches. "He's stronger than you, then."
"The only ones who might be able to take him on if he gets serious would be Lady Emilia and Lord Roswaal. Don't even attempt it." She warned ominously. "I'd rather you not be smashed to bits."
"How thoughtful." He let out a strangled yelp of pain as a vicious kick of hers landed straight into his groin. "Gah! Why do you keep aiming there?!" He squeaked, rolling on the floor.
"It's an obvious weak spot. Any smart enemy will aim there at some point during the fight. I want to get you used to protecting yourself." She shrugged. "And it's amusing to see you rolling on the floor."
"You're a sadist!" He pointed an accusing finger at her smug face. "No... you're a..." He hesitated, searching for the word. "A tzunderai!" She stared at him silently.
"...a what."
"A tzunderai! It's what Subaru said!" He proudly exclaimed. The vicious glare he received in response turned his blood to ice.
"Oh dear. You've started picking up Baruisms. How utterly tragic. Not to worry Harisson." She cracked her knuckles as she stepped closer to him. "I will be sure to knock those foul influences of his from you."
"...I apologize?" He tried, a hopeful smile on his face. She smiled back.
"Apology not accepted." The earth shook as she struck down.
"I hate you Subaru." Harisson mumbled, leaning against the side of the dragon carriage. "I hate you so much."
"Aw c'mon, what did I do?!" Subaru exclaimed from inside the cart as Otto chuckled. "I thought you'd be happy I managed to negotiate to get the villagers out of the sanctuary!"
"No, on that I have to applaud you. I'm amazed you managed to convince Garfiel." Subaru had indeed pulled some magic and convinced the demihuman to let the villagers out of the Sanctuary, with the promise of returning to complete the trials himself as they faced Emilia's regular failures. Somehow, it worked.
"Then why are you so mad?!"
"It's because of your stupid word! That... that tzunderai thing!"
"It's tsundere." Otto remarked.
"It's stupid is what it is!" He angrily said. "Because I called her that, Ram kicked my ass extra hard today!" Subaru gasped, looking at Harisson with amazement.
"Wait, you called her that to her face?! I'm amazed at your bravery, Harisson!" A grin appeared on his face. "Between that and training with her... are you sure you're not actually a masochist Harisson?" Harisson blinked, looking at Otto with a confused expression.
"What's a masochist?" Otto stared at him before looking away.
"Nope. I am not dealing with this."
"Otto. Otto you can't leave this to me." Subaru pleaded. "C'mon, how was I supposed to know he wouldn't know what it means?"
"You dug your grave mister Natsuki. Please don't drag me into it."
"What?! Stop avoiding the question!" Harisson exclaimed. "What's a masochist?! Is it like a tzun... tsun... tsundere?"
"No, no." Subaru shook his head. "It's... um... how do I explain this..." Subaru stammered. "Someone who enjoys pain?" Harisson stared at Subaru for a long time. "Not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just a little odd, and well the joke here is that you really..."
"There's nothing enjoyable about Ram kicking me repeatedly in the sensitive parts Subaru." Harisson said with dead seriousness. "If it wasn't for the sake of getting stronger, I'd run away screaming every time."
"... There are so many jokes a lesser man would do." Subaru said as he stared at Harisson with an amused expression.
"Please refain, idiot." Subaru gasped.
"And now you sound like Beako!" Harisson groaned, putting his head in his hands.
"Nooooo..." He moaned in despair. "Od damnit!"
"Language." Otto commented, chuckling.
"Hate you." Harisson continued. "Hate you both."
"Nah, you like us." Subaru laughed, swinging an arm around Harisson's shoulder. "Who wouldn't?" Harisson rolled his eyes.
"You're lucky you're so lovable, dumbass." Subaru sighed dramatically, shaking his head.
"First trying to get into Otto's room, then trying to flirt with me? For shame, Harisson. Otto is right there. You're going to upset him." Harisson didn't hesitate. He punched Subaru in the side. "Gah! You really are spending too much time with Ram!"
"This time was deserved, mister Natsuki." Otto commented. "I do not want to get in the way of the romance between Harisson and yourself." Subaru gasped.
"Emilia-tan is the only one for me!" He paused. "And Rem." Harisson rolled his eyes.
"Greedy." He winked at Otto. "And don't worry. You're the only one for me." Otto blinked in surprise.
"Oh Od, I can't tell if you're serious or not. I think mister Natsuki may be right about you spending too much time with Ram."
"No such thing." Harisson answered back. "Speaking of Rem, the mansion isn't too far away now isn't it? It'll be nice to see Petra and Frederica again."
"Yeah. There's a few things I want to take care of there." Subaru grinned. "Then, it's back to the Sanctuary for us."
"Haaaa... and back to Garfiel." Otto bemoaned.
"Aw c'mon, it won't be that bad." Subaru argued back. "Besides, we can't just leave Emilia-tan and the others there by themselves."
"Shame we will be arriving so late." Harisson commented as the gates became visible further ahead, observing the starry sky. "I would have liked to check the inn for mail before heading back."
"Maybe we'll do a quick detour then." Subaru commented as they opened the gates, arriving before the entrance of the mansion itself. "I'm surprised no one's there to greet us. I thought they would have heard the carriage."
"It is quite late. They might be eating, or even have headed to bed already." Otto mentioned.
"Well, let's knock then." Harisson said, walking up to the door and banging the knocker. "...Huh. No response."
"The door's unlocked." Subaru commented as he opened the main door. "This is... a little strange. I'm not sure I like this." The manor was dark. It made sense, of course, but it was still unnerving. Some lights would usually be on in the areas people were still awake in. "I don't like this. Otto, can you go and check on Frederica and Petra? They should be in the maid's quarters by now."
"I...I'm on it." Otto gulped.
"Harisson. I'm going to go check on Rem. Do you think you can go to try and find Beako?"
"Lady Beatrice? Wouldn't it be best for you to go look for her?" Harisson commented. "You'd have a much easier time finding her than I."
"Maybe... but I just can't shake the feeling something's wrong. I just want to check in on Rem first." Harisson sighed.
"Fine, fine." With that, the group separated as they headed into their respective directions.
"Not this one." Harisson said as he opened the door. He walked further down the corridor, opening the next door. "Not this one either. Come on Lady Beatrice, please don't mess with me like this..." The light of the moon bathed the corridor in gentle silvery light, making things visible in the otherwise dark corridor. His eyes had gotten used to the dim light by now. "Not this one..." He mumbled, nervously tapping the pommel of his broadsword as it lay resting in its sheath. "Damn it. I knew Subaru should have been the one to take care of this."
DANGER.
The sword swung out of the scabbard, Harisson whirling around and bringing it up just in time to stop the vicious slash towards his stomach, the sound of metal against metal echoing loudly in the silent corridor.
Od, he'd barely been able to feel the killing intent before the blow. If Ram hadn't been doing her absolute damndest to get him to detect bloodlust, he would never have caught it. Even then, the strength behind the blow had nearly buckled his arms into breaking his stance. He gritted his teeth as he looked at his aggressor.
The woman was, objectively speaking, beautiful. The amount of skin she showed was quite extreme, her body curvy and athletic. Harisson was not focused on this.
He was staring into her eyes. The eyes of a predator. Eyes that seemed to pierce into his very soul as her face stretched into a wide smile, a blush on her cheeks as she stared down at him.
"Ara... you actually blocked that?" Harisson tried pushing against the dagger, finding himself unable to win the strength fight. "How interesting... you are not on my list. I suppose I could let you go." She tilted her head. "Tell me. Where can I find the maids?" His mind was racing. Who the hell was that person?! Why were they here?! Was this the threat Lord Roswaal had been hinting towards?!
"The... the maids?" He gritted his teeth. "Who the hell even are you?!" He screamed, giving up on trying to push her back and instead jumping backwards, barely dodging a second swing from her.
"Ah, ah, ah... that would be telling." She giggled as she stepped towards him. He took some time to examine her. She was stronger than him, he could tell from that first exchange. She had two short swords, or daggers, or whatever the hell those vicious blades were. "I wonder, what do your guts look like?" He paled at the words and the excited shine in her eyes.
"Oh god, you're a weirdo." He exclaimed, taking a step back for every one she took forth.
"Aw, how cruel of you..." In the blink of an eye, she was on him, her blade lashing past his guard and digging into his stomach. He screamed in pain as he fell backwards, a deep slash cutting across his midriff; Blood pouring onto the ground. Desperately, he tried swinging his sword at her only for her to easily sidestep the slash and kicking the sword out of his hand. "What a shame. I liked your spirit." Harisson whimpered in pain as she dug a heel into his wound, desperately punching into her leg. "What an adorable expression you have!"
It hurt. It hurt so much. He screamed as she dug the heel deeper.
"HARISSON!" The scream echoed through the corridor as the sound of footsteps quickly got closer. "ELSA, YOU PSYCHO BITCH!" Subaru roared as he charged towards the assassin.
"No!" Harisson said in a strangled voice. "Get away!" Elsa easily dodged Subaru's swing, a single kick sending crashing into a window. Harisson screamed as the boy fell through in a shower of broken glass, the sound of a thud quickly following. He tried to get up, but the sheer agony of the wound on his stomach and the rapid blood loss made his efforts futile, only serving to flail under the murderess' foot. "You... you monster!" His voice was raspy, shadows dancing in his eyes. "Why..."
"Why? Well, it's just business really. You were unlucky is all. Wrong place, wrong time." She giggled as she raised her foot, kneeling before his writhing form. "Now, don't die too quickly. I want to see those guts while they're still warm." He whimpered as she reached out towards him.
It hurt. It hurt. It hurt.
He screamed in agony.
It hurt. It hurt. It hurt.
He tried to scramble away from her. She overpowered him with ease.
The world grew darker and darker. The pain began to numb as his whole body grew cold.
A distant cry as Subaru returned, his body covered in small cuts from the glass.
Harisson tried to raise a hand, but he was so weak... so pathetically weak.
"Don't worry!" Subaru shouted, holding a piece of glass in his hand. "Harisson, I'll fix everything!"
No. Please.
Let me die.
Don't make me see this.
Blessedly, he passed out before he could witness the inevitable.
"Harisson?" Otto looked at him with a concerned glance. "Are you alright? You look pale as a ghost." Harisson stared at Otto for a long, long time.
Then, he fell to the ground, screaming.
"GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
"Harisson?!" Ram exclaimed, rushing to his side.
"Oi, oi! Why the hell is he freaking out all of a sudden!" Garfiel growled, a hint of unease in his voice as he looked at the other two rushing to Harisson's side. He wailed on the ground, clutching his stomach as tightly as he could, the feeling of the hands playing in his still living guts radiating in phantom pain. He screamed at the memory of the torture that was so vivid in his mind. There was no blessed forgetfulness this time.
He remembered everything.
"Harisson! What is happening?!" Ram demanded.
"He just collapsed all of a sudden! I don't understand! Is this a curse?!" Otto cried out, trying to pin down the writhing Harisson.
His screaming turned to laughter as tears began rolling down his eyes, staring forward with wide eyes as two silhouettes emerged from the ruins.
"Shit!" Subaru's voice reached his ears, causing Harisson to freeze. "Damn it, damn it!" The sound of running footsteps echoed in the night.
"Mister Natsuki! Lady Emilia!" Otto cried out in relief. "We don't know what happened, he just... collapsed and started screaming! Is this related to the trial?"
"Like hell it is! He didn't even step inside the ruins!" Garfiel snarled. "The hell kinda bullshit is this..."
"Harisson!" Subaru exclaimed as he kneeled next to the innkeeper, grabbing him by the shoulders. "Damn it, Harisson! Snap out of it!"
"...it hurts." Harisson stuttered. "It hurts, it hurts, it hurts!" Subaru gritted his teeth, his eyes radiating compassion and pain.
"I know." He brought him into a hug. "I know." Harisson froze in the embrace, his eyes wide.
Then, his mouth split into a mournful wail, clutching the boy tightly as tears poured from his eyes as the others stood around a mixture of concerned and confused.
