"Come on, I'm completely broke here! You guys should really mug someone else instead."

Making a nervous laugh whilst attempting to negotiate with his muggers, Subaru was currently in a dangerous predicament. Being grabbed tightly by the shirt and held in a position of little to no power, Subaru thought about how to deal with this situation.

"I could resort to violence if push comes to shove, but what he said is making me have second thoughts about that."

'This is not an RPG game so don't treat it like one.' The reminding words of his white haired counterpart made Subaru feel distressed about such a thing happening. These people didn't show enough evidence to be considered real by Subaru but the conversation he had with 'him' jumbled his expectations of this world greatly.

"He knew my name, my interests, my problems, my fears, my life. If that guy is just an NPC then that would be a massive breach of my privacy! But…"

'I selfishly feel spurned by their love.' — 'I wish they'd hate me for wasting my life away.' — 'I just want to be known only as Subaru Natsuki.'

"But it couldn't be. He knows exactly how I felt about it, not even some secret surveillance organization could get that amount of insight on such an insignificant and low profile person like me."

Snapped out of his quickly passing thoughts by the sudden violent shaking motion of his body, Subaru noticed the thugs had become offended with what he had said to them.

"Tsch, like I'd ever believe you!"

The middle of the bunch, Rachins, yelled out his words with such ferocious disbelief that his spit had naturally landed upon his muggee's face, much to Subaru's disgust.

"You noble boys always have everything handed to you!"

The left side of the bunch, Camberley, shaked his fist in envy at what he thought to be a nobleman. To have been forced to live a life like this instead of an easy and comfortable life a noble would be experiencing greatly infuriated him.

"Besides, even if you are broke, we'd love to teach you a lesson about wandering into deserted alleyways like this."

Cracking his large knuckles in anticipation. The right side of the bunch, Gaston, felt a tiny amount of pity for the boy but still saw fair game as fair game.

"It isn't working."

Stuck back into his thoughts, Subaru tried to make an excuse but it had failed miserably right in front of his face. The option of violence became more enticing but still, Subaru valued his life and didn't feel comfortable at all that he'd be able to punch around real people. With the option of fighting being thrown out the window, Subaru could try and plead more that he is broke or, as the final and most painful option, hand over his cellphone to them.

"Give up the goods already!"

Continuing to shake the helpless Subaru, Rachins had become impatient with his inactive victim and wanted to have this job done in about a minute or two so as little attention as possible could be allocated to their crime.

"R-really guys! I don't have anything of value on me!"

Holding up and shaking the palm of his hands in defense of himself, Subaru tried one last time to plead to the muggers that he had nothing to give to them. Having to give up his valuable phone or not, rested on if they had been convinced or became bored with him.

"Bullshit."

Grabbing out one of the daggers by his waist and pointing the sharp end of it at Subaru's eye, Rachins didn't believe the words of his for a second. Killing Subaru was not the goal nor would it be a realistic option, in actuality the risky action Rachins took had been to intimidate Subaru into telling the truth.

Subaru gulped at the sight of the dagger, knowing his pleas utterly failed. And if Rachins was serious, and was pointing that sharp thing near one of Subaru's vital organs with intention to poke it out of its socket if Subaru continued to refuse to comply, then Subaru was scared straight to the spine.

So deciding to give in, Subaru reached in his pocket and grabbed his cellphone in order to hand it over. He desperately wanted help at this moment but was sure it was already too late to call for it and manage to stay alive afterwards. Clutching on his phone and tightening the grip on it, Subaru hesitated as the pain of giving away an expensive device he cherished that also contained pictures of him with his family would be a devastating blow to Subaru's already crumbling self esteem.

"I don't want to give it, I don't want to give it, I don't want to give it, I don't, I don't!"

Trapped alone and backed into a cramped corner in his own sentiments, Subaru's initial skeptical viewpoint of this world had shattered into tatters and beginning from now, he accepted what his counterpart had said. This world proved itself in one action alone that it was cruel and heartless, to pick on a boy and threaten his life when he had only lived seventeen years was something Subaru couldn't believe would come from a proclaimed 'fantasy' world. So if this was real, then everything that happened to that white haired boy was also real and was infinitely more painful then what Subaru could think of happening to him. What a despicable and unfunny joke, Subaru was sure he wouldn't ever laugh at something like that happening to him however much he disliked himself.

At the back of Subaru's eyes, small and barely noticeable droplets of tears began to form. And Subaru reluctantly began to pull out his phone out of his pocket. This was it, those memories will have to be kept in his head for the rest of what would seemingly be the rest of his life. Maybe it could even be gone forever, with how it appears that his future self is suffering from severe amnesia.

But before it could reach halfway out of Subaru's tracksuit—

"Don't you dare hurt [Natsuki Subaru]!"

Continuing to kick off the top of his feet against the floor with an incredible distance being covered in a relatively short time, Gluttonybaru was still grateful that [Natsuki Subaru] was kind enough to go through a years worth of intensive exercise to make him capable of being the top runner in his school again.

"Where did he walk off to!?"

Once the trail Subaru left behind had subsequently faded into indiscernible footprints, Gluttonybaru was practically searching all over the capital city for [Natsuki Subaru].

"He couldn't have walked off so quickly into an area most people can't see him in, right!?"

If this extensive search was to continue at its full capacity, Gluttonybaru was sure he'd run out of stamina before he could reach a decisive conclusion on the sudden mystery of Subaru's whereabouts.

"Oh…he wouldn't have!"

Utilizing his memories of the three former thugs that had joined the Felt camp, Gluttonybaru distinctly remembered [Natsuki Subaru] yelling at the top of his lungs for help whilst being trapped in an alleyway, a quiet girlish voice funnily enough.

"But if he isn't yelling for help…"

He could be held in a position where calling for help could result in him being hurt or worse. That was the conclusion Gluttonybaru came to, courtesy to the logical thinking of tens of thousands of people's memories aiding him into becoming seemingly shrewd from an outsider's perspective, as described by Otto back in Priestella.

Suspending the movement of his legs at an instant, causing him to slide on the pavement a bit and almost trip, Gluttonybaru quickly turned his body around and gathered the remaining energy he had left into his legs to dash into the new location he decided upon, the familiar alleyway of [Natsuki Subaru's] first day in Lugunica.

"I won't let them."

They wanted to mug him, hurt him, leave him sad and vulnerable. What a wonderful thing that Reinhard was there to stop them from doing so. But right now, Reinhard couldn't arrive to [Natsuki Subaru's] aid this time. So Gluttonybaru decided that he'll have to be the one to save him now.

"I can save you, [Natsuki Subaru]. You only need to ask and I'll do so."

Patching back his memories had failed and this was to be Gluttonybaru's new purpose, helping [Natsuki Subaru].

Gluttonybaru's eye was catched by the sight of it, the alleyway. Those same old brick walls that showed signs of crumbling, and the clothes hanging from a rack far above it. This is the alleyway [Natsuki Subaru] called for help in.

Better yet, it was those three same old thugs, and one of them…

"He's pointing a knife at him!"

Bad. Very bad. Gluttonybaru couldn't begin to fathom what he'd do if [Natsuki Subaru] was to become blind in one of his eyes like Gluttonybaru had, or at the absolute worst, die. If [Natsuki Subaru] died…Gluttonybaru wasn't sure at all of what he'd do. Even if he avenged him, it still would've meant that everything failed and that there was no hope left.

So igniting his fiery resolve deep inside his heart, Gluttonybaru would deal with these thugs with precision and cold efficiency with or without [Natsuki Subaru's] help in the matter.

"Don't you dare hurt [Natsuki Subaru]!"

With bright light from the sun shining on his entire body and the weak wind lightly blowing his white hair. Even with his average looks, the shades of the sun he stood in had engrossed him with an otherworldly attraction. So standing there, Gluttonybaru posed in full glory with emanating resolve and passion.

"Y-you came back…"

Left speechless, the bare tears that had formed in Subaru's eyes from beforehand turned into a more visible and cheerful form. He had been saved by his own self, 'how poetic' Subaru thought in the back of his mind.

"Of course I came back, [Natsuki Subaru]. I made a promise, a promise that I'd help you with my full capacity."

"And just who the hell are you!?"

Interrupting the conversation between the two Subarus, Rachins had given Gluttonybaru the stink eye. How very rude of this random person to halt the process of their mugging, this was exactly what Rachins was hoping they'd avoid by being quick and upfront with Subaru. Of course, due to Subaru being a slowpoke, they couldn't do it in time. This conclusion that Rachins came to made him enraged at his victim, and perhaps, just maybe he'd make Subaru bleed for it.

"Step away from him."

Gripping onto his guiltywhip, the weapon [Natsuki Subaru] had provided him with, Gluttonybaru strengthened his resolve with the sharp and fierce eyes of his. Narrowing down his eyes at Rachins, he will save [Natsuki Subaru].

"Tell us, you ass! Who the hell are you!?"

Rolling his eyes at Rachin's idiotic attempt at looking intimidating, Gluttonybaru strengthened his grip on the guiltywhip and began to move forwards.

"My name is none of your business, Rachins Hoffman."

Widening his eyes at the act of a complete stranger suddenly calling out his full name, this was something Rachins couldn't have thought would happen. Finding out his first name shouldn't be that hard these days, making a name for himself with the slum people was something he was certainly beginning to achieve through infamous acts, but knowing about his family name as well? It was impossible, he had left his family several months ago. Does this mean that the white haired boy was acquainted with his father? If so, this was very bad, as it could mean the end of his slums charades.

"How-how the hell do you know my name!?"

Pulling his dagger away from Subaru and instead pointing it at Gluttonybaru instead, this was excellent for Gluttonybaru as it meant [Natsuki Subaru] was no longer in clear danger. Continuing to walk towards the thugs in a calm manner Subaru threw his hands up in the air and gave them a haughty smile.

"Come on Gaston and Camberley, don't you know the history behind your friend? Your nobleman friend?"

Eeped by the sudden mentions of their names as well, the two thugs stared at the white haired boy with fearful anger.

"What the hell are you talking about you weirdo!?"

The shortest of the bunch, Camberley, took out his small knife and pointed it at Gluttonybaru's visage in a desperate attempt at intimidation. Gluttonybaru chuckled at the sight of the thugs going from a stance of dominance to becoming the weak ones out in a matter of seconds.

"Maybe Rachins should've told you that he had left the Hoffman Royal Family when you guys stupidly tried to mug a Divine General of Vollachia and got your asses kicked! Or maybe he could've told you when you three were all bawling your eyes out in front of the Spirit Knight and the Blue Knight in exchange for being released from custody!"

Stopping in his tracks mid-speech, Gluttonybaru had put himself at a comfortable distance to deal with them with his guilitywhip whilst he entranced the thugs with his words of truth.

"Rachins…is that true?"

The biggest of the bunch, Gaston, gave his friend a look of concern and fear. Had everything they went through together been a lie? That Rachins didn't belong in the slums?

"Come on you guys, why the hell are you listening to this total stranger!?"

Arguing back against the claims made against him, Rachins pleaded to his friends to not listen to the stranger, that he had a hard life like they did, that he was worthy of being a friend of the slum people, that he wasn't like those pesky noblemen who made the life of the impoverished a living hell.

Feeling a tug on his shirt, Rachins looked down to Camberley. He'd taken this the hardest, and the anguish on his face was visible enough for everyone to see.
"Rachins…this guy must've been following us for a couple months now, please, please don't tell me that you're actually born a nobleman. I want to hear the truth, dude."

Rachin's face being plagued with guilt, that he'd lied to his friends for almost a year now, hiding his true identity, he couldn't lie here, not now. So Rachins gave up his weak act and stopped denying it.

"I'm so sorry guys, but it's true. I was born a nobleman."

Camberley and Gaston moaned with anguish at hearing the truth, their friend had been lying to their faces.

"But, even if I was born a nobleman, I still left it so I could be where I felt I belonged. To hell with the nobility! I traded it, so I could find and befriend people like you guys!"

To be lied to by your friend was painful for them, they admitted. But for him to still holdout and give his truthful reasoning had softened the impact of the truth. So in this strange event caused by Gluttonybaru's interference, the thug trio inadvertently strengthened their friendship.

Subaru watched it all take place in front of his eyes, and it was so bizarre to him. That somehow Gluttonybaru had managed to help them in a way.

Gluttonybaru didn't expect this either, rather he was trying to goad them into turning their attention away from [Natsuki Subaru] and focusing their efforts on fighting Gluttonybaru, which they would've lost in a matter of seconds as Gluttonybaru had not only the memories of them but the memories of several capable warriors, including Clind, who had fully mastered the whip.

All three thugs turned their heads back to the outlandish white haired man with faint smiles stretched across them.

"You can take this pipsqueak back with you already, you fucking weirdo."

Pushing Subaru onto the floor with disdain, the thug trio had unanimously decided to give into the demands of the unnerving freak who knew too much about them as dealing with such an opponent represented a clear and present danger to them.

"Thank you very much, TonChinKan!"

Clenching their fists at what could be considered a mockery of their names, they knew they couldn't do much about it and decided to leave it at that.

Getting back on his feet whilst grabbing onto the hand of Gluttonybaru, Subaru looked back at the trio who were exiting from the scene unamused. Subaru remembered what his counterpart had said about the Book of the Dead, and if he knew a lot about the thugs that must've meant–

"Yes, [Natsuki Subaru]. I did kill them and read their books, they were a part of those people who knew who I used to be, so I had to."

Subaru sweated at his counterpart and wondered if he was a mind reader as well. The stark difference between what is supposed to be the same person was starting to get uncomfortable for Subaru, and to think that the same person also considered himself a lesser version of an even more powerful futureself made Subaru shudder.

"Just how powerful am I?"

Staring at the curling palm of his hand, Subaru knew that his current self is hopelessly weak right now but hearing those feats about himself, if he began to see more of it being done in front of his eyes, it might be the confidence boost that he desperately needs.

"Well then, we still have a long day on the road for us!"

Stepping up to Subaru, Gluttonybaru comforted his counterpart who was stuck in a daze at himself. Snapped out of his stupor, Subaru realized he hadn't thanked his white haired counterpart properly, so wrapping his arms around him, Subaru gave Gluttonybaru a hug as a sign of appreciation.

"Thank you, thank you for saving me."

An unexpected welcome for Gluttonybaru for sure. Being caught in a sudden compromising position, Gluttonybaru blushed in embarrassment as he didn't know what he should do at the moment. After getting his act straight together and taking in the fact that [Natsuki Subaru] was giving him, the worthless him, appreciation, Gluttonybaru took the best next course of action and wrapped his arms around [Natsuki Subaru] as well.

"I told you [Natsuki Subaru], I made a promise that I'd help you."

Gluttonybaru's heart fluttered at the idea that he saved [Natsuki Subaru] just now, that he'd been useful for once, useful enough for him. The words of Gluttonybaru having ignited a newfound sense of hope within Subaru's heart, he'd be grateful for this.

Both deeply smiled at the comfort they had provided to each other whilst tightening their hug. This was a day they'd both remember, they knew that with certainty.

Running into the alleyway at an unfortunate time, the blond thief named Felt stumbled upon them sharing a moment. With the loud sound of her fast breaths interrupting the moment the two had held for over five seconds now, both of them stopped hugging each other and turned their heads to the intruder.

"Oops, sorry bros! You look like you're living strong so keep going right on!"

Giving her awkward applause, she jumped back and forth on the walls above them and exited the scene in a couple seconds, leaving the scene as quickly as she had come.

"How rude of you to interrupt us like that, Felt."

"You know her too?"

Oh no, that must mean–

"I didn't kill her, never had enough time to do so. She was too close in proximity to my main target. Though I did read the book of her father figure."

Subaru snorted at how fast Gluttonybaru responded to it, that damn mind reader. But he couldn't ignore what Gluttonybaru just admitted, so upon hearing that he was responsible for killing that young looking girl's father, Subaru gave a look of disgust at Gluttonybaru. It again disturbed him how calmly he talked about murdering people.

"Did you ever feel guilty about it? Murdering them?"

Squinting his eyes with a mix of sorrow and annoyance at the viable and important yet so obvious question that [Natsuki Subaru] provided him with, he should have already realized by now what the answer was.

"Yes. Of course I felt guilty about murdering them, [Natsuki Subaru]. I never wanted to become a murderer in the first place, I was using it as a means to reach my goal of piecing back who [Natsuki Subaru] was, so I could use [Return by Death] to go back to before I murdered anyone and be the person they expected me to be."

Sighing at Gluttonybaru's well mannered defense, at least he felt guilty about it, that certainly made Subaru's relationship with him alleviate from any downward spirals. Subaru knew Gluttonybaru to be a murderer, but for now it seems that he no longer has a reason to kill others, maybe if Subaru tried to put himself in his counterparts shoes, their views would perfectly align. That, however, was for Subaru to think about and question for another time. That being said, something that awfully annoyed Subaru brought itself up.

"You know, I can't just keep referring to you as my counterpart. We should start calling each other by names."

Gluttonybaru widened his eyes upon hearing that, how idiotic of him to have overlooked something as big as that and then continuing to refer to his black haired counterpart as [Natsuki Subaru] whilst the other had no nickname of his own to give him.

"Seeing as you've already decided to call me by my full name and also are strangely obsessed with who I am, I guess you'd be the one that wants a nickname."

Putting his hands to his mouth in slight surprise, Gluttonybaru recognized that old part of him, the one that loved to give people he was to regularly talk with a nickname. Meaning, in some way, Subaru had accepted Gluttonybaru into his social circle.

"Well you're completely right on that one. Hey, it's on you to give one to me, I don't really care much for having a name of my own. I only referred to myself as 'Subaru' back when I was in pursuit of my memories.

Smiling at being given a freebee by his counterpart, it's up to Subaru to come up with a creative nickname to refer to his counterpart and most likely also be the name everyone refers to him to as well.

"Oh, I got the perfect one!"

Widening his eyes in anticipation, Gluttonybaru's body giggled in excitement at what he'd be referred to by [Natsuki Subaru] from now on.

"Your new name will be….Pleiades!"

Upon hearing that name, Gluttonybaru, who from now on is supposed to be called Pleiades, was completely bamboozled. Wow, such a hilarious play-on word for him. If Gluttonybaru couldn't convey the emotion accurately enough, he was being sarcastic. That's such a dumb nickname.

"You know, I really like you [Natsuki Subaru], but this was just too expected of myself."

Squeezing his eyes with his fingers in disappointment, Pleiades chuckled at Subaru.

"You don't like it?"

Pleiades couldn't care much about it, he never had much respect for himself anyways. If that's what [Natsuki Subaru] wanted, then this was it.

"No, no, it's fine. I got it, my new name from now on is Pleiades."

Then, this was to be the name he'll have to be referred to by everybody from now on, the thought of that making Pleiades cringe immensely. Shortly after taking in the name and memorizing it, the sound of another's footsteps entered the alleyway. Both turned their heads to see who it'd be and neither had anticipated who it would've been that met them here.

"Halt now and I may forgive you, if you were to be so kind as to give back what you—w-wait."

Both Subarus fixedly staring at the interrupting voice, this one had been different. Her beauty had been delicately displayed in its fullest, with her flowing silver hair and teeming amethyst eyes. To the ears of both, her voice was like a silver bell.

Her appearance emotionally had the opposite effects on the two Subarus. One could clearly tell that the black haired one is enamored with her, having time stopped to his eyes for a few seconds to take in her sight. The white haired one's face was filled with anguish, a near feeling of doom. Guilt would be the correct word to describe what Pleiades felt, lots and lots of guilt.

Both Subarus instantly agree that the woman who stood in front of them is unapologetically beautiful. But whilst Subaru could take that in and enjoy it to its fullest, Pleiades began to suffer as he continued to lay his eyes on her.

"I am so sorry Emilia…"

He absolutely could not mention this unbearable feeling at this moment, he needed to keep the tension an innocent one. So continuing to remain silent with thoughts, Pleiades apologized to Emilia in every way he could think of, on and on. And while he apologized, the apparition that took her voice and face appeared behind his back and Pleiades went pale upon the realization.

"You don't have to be so sad, Subaru!"

Stop it.

"I'm s-sorry I must've gone down the wrong way!"

Those two didn't look like thieves at all to her, rather they looked like two brothers enjoying their company together only to be brazenly interrupted by her.

"I forgive you, Subaru!"

Stop it. Why her.

"No, no! It's totally okay!"

Subaru, being the first one to speak up, wanted her to stay for just a while longer, if he could see her beauty for a couple more seconds at least.

"I reaaally do!"

Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. Shut up!

"You aren't real!"

Both Emilia and Subaru being caught off guard by Pleiades's sudden yell, they stared with worriedness at the boy who clutched his head whilst droplets of tears exited from his eyes and plopped onto the ground. Having been left with no context to this sudden breakdown, Emilia thought the words he said could've been directed towards her for looking like the Witch whilst Subaru couldn't come to a conclusion at all.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"

Subaru didn't want this to take place any longer and so he grabbed onto Pleiades's shoulders and knocked him back and forth in an attempt to snap him out of it.

"Calm down dude, calm down!"

Whilst Subaru continuously tried to calm him down through force, Pleiades was rapidly breathing in an effort to calm himself.

"Please don't be scared of me! I only look like the Witch!"

His rapid heartbeat began to decline and soon enough, Pleiades returned to a state of calmness. Allowing himself to think again after that embarrassing display in front of Emilia, he'd rather change the subject immediately.

With the apparition behind him having disappeared during his short breakdown, Pleiades took this slightly unexpected opportunity to direct the rest of the day with relative ease. Afterall, saving Emilia was on his bucket list for today, maybe that would be enough to calm the spirit that lived in his head.

"I'm sorry for that, you don't need to worry much about me, I'm okay now."

With Emilia and Subaru taking a breath of relief that the problem had been dealt with, Subaru patted Pleiades back in reassurance that they'll stick together from here on out.

"But actually, I do know the thief you're chasing after."

Her face sparkled brightly at the words of the white haired man, maybe she could turn this misfortune into something immensely valuable.

"You do!?"

Snapping his fingers at her with a smug smile, Pleiades knew exactly how this day would go down from here. Three goals appeared in his mind, Find Reinhard, Find the Loothouse, Save Emilia and Felt.

"We can take you down to her exact location."

This was a greater help than Emilia could've ever thought about. Before agreeing to the proposition however, she needed to make sure the truth was being told and that this wasn't a trap these two seemingly innocent boys were trying to ensnare her into. Summoning Puck out of her crystal is the failsafe for Emilia's suspicions.

"What do you need Lia?"

The sight of the fluffy cat entering the sight of both of the Subarus eyes, only the white haired one knew the extent of the spirit's power whilst the other remained completely clueless.

"Those two said they'd be able to help me track down the thief who stole my insignia."

With Puck glancing at the two, they surely looked like brothers to him. Reading the both of them, whilst he could easily tell that the black haired one had no intentions of malice, the white haired one was a complete enigma to Puck.

The eyes of Pleiades greatly puzzled Puck, like he was so much more than he seemed. If he could describe it in a sensible way it'd be that what lies inside those eyes are the eyes of others, tens of thousands of others. Trying to read further into him ached Puck's mind, it was like within that one mindset of his laid the minds of so many others, all with their own unique personalities, goals, and aspirations.

Puck didn't know whether such a thing could be diagnosed as a mental disease, perhaps the boy suffered from multiple personalities or was plagued by the voices of others inside his mind. Lugunica wasn't able to analyze and discern what truly troubled these rare individuals, so Puck decided it must be an illness of the mind and left it at that.

"Neither of them hold malice, Lia. You can trust them."

"Ah, very well! You may help me."

Putting her hands to her sides, Emilia welcomed the duo into her search party with friendliness.

Pleiades had, for now, managed to avoid confusion by not using Emilia's name and having to skidaddle around it was beginning to bother him so he decided it'd be best now to start introductions.

"Could we all introduce ourselves first?"

With the quick sound of surprise coming from the three others, they all realized what they're supposed to do when they greet new people and agreed to Pleaides's request.

"I'll introduce myself first then! My name's Puck and it's nice to meet the both of you!"

Floating around in the air playfully, the spirit named Puck formally introduced himself to the gang of four.

"That makes me come next! My name is Natsuki Subaru! Not only am I completely broke, but I'm totally clueless as well, big thanks to my brother for holding my hand for so long!"

With his finger held up high in the air and a pose that belonged to an anime being stricken for all to see, Subaru made the most outlandish and energetic introduction he could, it was what he thought his popular father did.

Emilia and Puck starred with perplexion at how energetic he sounded whilst describing the feeling of misery and Pleiades nearly jumped out of his shoes upon hearing him being referred to as a 'brother' in Subaru's introduction.

"So we're doing 'that' kind of trope huh, [Natsuki Subaru]?"

Going along with his counterpart's introduction, Pleiades stepped up to introduce himself next.

"My name is Natsuki Pleiades, and what my 'little brother' says is true. I have to hold his hand around everywhere all the time, jeez how embarrassing for him!"

Making out a laugh as he teased his 'little brother', Pleiades's introduction raised an eyebrow for Emilia and Puck. To hear the name of the watchtower being displayed across a person's livelihood, they came to the easy conclusion that the Natsuki brothers' parents must've been big fans of the three legendary heroes.

"Ah, and that leaves me. My name is Emilia, just Emilia. Here's hoping Pleiades's information is correct and we find the thief in a manner of minutes."

Dropping the thought of going with a fake name, Emilia had no reason to do so. The white haired boy looked perfectly capable of defending himself to Emilia and alongside him knowing where the thief was, no real danger or the feeling of having wasted their time would've been posed to them.

"So are we on our way to the thieves' den?"

Raising his fist up into the sky, Pleiades gave assurance to the others that this'll be a piece of cake to deal with. Of course he knew that Elsa would be there, but knowing how to contact Reinhard whilst on their way there would be easy enough.

"Let's do it!"

Also raising his fist up into the sky, Subaru made a motion that called for the remaining two others to join on it as well.

"For victory!"

Subaru raising his other arm up in the air, he yelled for the others to join in.

"Victory!"

And so they copied Subaru's stance and surged themselves with confidence. The thief will be found in no time.

"Follow my directions!"

And with a wave of his hand, the gang walked off to where Pleiades was leading them. Thinking about what's to come, Pleiades realized something.

Perhaps with full knowledge and preparation of the enemy beforehand could ensure them a victory without Reinhard's help, though Pleiades would rather not test out those thoughts. After all, even if Pleiades has the ability to [Return by Death] it was given to him to restore [Natsuki Subaru]. And if [Natsuki Subaru] was right there, walking and talking beside him, alive in the flesh and mind, he wasn't sure if he even had that ability anymore.

"Hey I just had this thing about you that's been itching my brain this whole time."

Caught a bit off by Subaru's sudden inquiry, Pleiades attended to what needed to be known.

"Why the white hair and hazy left eye?"

Oh, his appearance. Pleiades had already talked about enough death and suffering for today but he guesses he'll have to do it one last time, hopefully.

"Concerning my hair? It used to be black like yours, a shitton of stress from reading the books of the people I cared about was the thing that changed that. Concerning the left eye, it was the following act of violently smashing my head against the floor so I could cope with the sudden realization of having killed the people who, you know, cared about my wellbeing and weren't actually out to get me."

Subaru starred at Pleiades with astonishment, how he talked about these horrendous things that belonged in a horror movie so casually was beyond him. To Subaru, it looked like Pleiades had a million mental issues and had proceeded to ignore them or even embraced them. Pleiades was tipping on the edge of insanity, that's the final conclusion Subaru had come to.

"Your life is really fucked up, Pleiades."

Pleiades instantly agreed with that statement. Well of course it was. He was given a daunting task so important he broke his back several times over attempting to pursue it to completion. Only a guy like [Natsuki Subaru] could've took on that level of duress, Pleiades had to admit.

"Yeah. Yeah it is."

And with witnessing another casual display of no self respect or a sense of denial from his nearly insane counterpart, Subaru mentally facepalmed himself. Another thought intruding him, a deeper one, the fact that he could end up like this. A, no offence to Pleiades, shell of his former self, distant from the original person he once was. To think that distant person dreamed and actively went after becoming who he once was kicked a gear in Subaru's head.

Maybe he had took the wrong route in search of his memories. Because if Pleiades was trying to look and act like who Subaru Natsuki once was, he definitely failed on that criteria.

Author's note: Didn't have a beta reader for this one, again. Sorry for the predictable nickname I gave him, but that's most probably what Arc 1 Subaru would've come up with smh. Like, I think you could tell that I got more and more tired as you get nearer to the ending of the chapter.