A.N.: And here we have it, chapter 11! I hope you enjoy it!
To answer the question regarding Harisson's looks, I didn't describe it a little on purpose, as I didn't have a particular look for him besides slightly athletic.
Harisson's head was throbbing as he woke up. A groan escaped him.
Od, what had…
Lord Roswaal.
The magic coursing through him.
Ryuzu.
"FMPHF!" He tried to jerk up, only to find himself unable to move. His hands had been tied. His eyes were blindfolded. His mouth, bound with rope. Panic began spreading through him like a vicious poison as he realized the situation he was in.
Lord Roswaal. Why had he… but he was the Margrave! The protector of the domain! Why would he… why would he do this?!
And Ryuzu was in on it too?!
Od damnit. He'd been so naive. To think, he could just… walk up to the most powerful mage in the country and ask to become one as well. He had wanted so hard to be useful to Subaru, and instead here he was. Defenseless.
Weak.
Blind, bound and trapped.
The more he tried to think, the more his mind spiraled back to his current predicament. To the bound hands, to the impossibility of moving his body. Couldn't see. Couldn't speak. Couldn't move.
Trapped in darkness.
His body quaked and quivered. His mind just would not answer. This situation felt too painfully familiar. At least no hands would emerge from the darkness to break him.
Hopefully at least.
Whatever Lord Roswaal's reasons to trap him, they could not be good. Harisson couldn't think of a good reason to react this way to such an innocent request. And to focus so much on Subaru's abilities… Something was going on. Harisson wasn't smart enough to figure out what with the information at hand, but he knew Lord Roswaal wasn't to be trusted. He wanted something from Subaru, no doubt.
Od. What if he used Harisson as a bargaining chip?! Harisson wanted to believe Subaru wouldn't be swayed if the Margrave did such an attempt, but he had seen first hand just how far Subaru was willing to cast his own safety away for the sake of his friends. And for better or for worse, it seemed Harisson was counted amongst them.
His hands hurt. The binding was not kindly done, rough and constrictive.
How long was he to remain here? Where even was he?
The ground felt solid. Stone, if the feeling against his hands was correct.
Dark. He tried to push the thought away as he palped the floor.
Definitely stone tiles. He was in a building at least.
Constrained. He whimpered as he curled on himself.
Unable to move.
Unable to escape.
Then…
At last.
The world ended.
Harisson gasped, wincing at the sudden light around him. Despite it being night, he was almost blinded by the sheer contrast to the absolute darkness he had just been plunged in.
"Hm? Harisson?" Otto asked, looking at him with confusion. "Is something wrong?" Harisson's eyes were wide, looking around and palping himself, looking for any traces of bindings.
None.
He was back in front of the ruins where the trials were held.
"Oh." He blinked. "I'm fine. Just… weird feeling down my spine." He answered, hoping the vague answer would satisfy the merchant.
"Huh. Alright then." Otto went back to looking forward. "The light has died down. I think it's over."
"Yeah…" Harisson felt himself torn, his feelings jumbled as he tried to dissipate the last remnants of panic from his body. If he was back here, it meant Subaru had died once again. Damn it all. And yet…
If he hadn't died.
Harisson would still be there.
Disgust rose within him in answer to the sudden surge of relief he felt at the realization. For a moment, he'd been grateful Subaru had died.
What was wrong with him?! He nearly slapped himself, but that would have elicited too many questions. Instead, he let the feelings of self loathing roil within him, battering down whatever disgusting thoughts his panic stricken mind might have conjured up.
"They're coming out!" Otto pointed out as Subaru emerged with Emilia. Harisson watched the familiar event play out, exchanging a glance full of meaning with Subaru.
Once this was dealt with, they had to talk.
Harisson watched from afar, annoyed, as Subaru left with Garfiel. He'd hoped to talk with him after Otto, but it seemed fate had different plans this time.
"Otto." He called out, walking up to the merchant.
"Oh, Harisson! How long have you been standing here?" Otto exclaimed in surprise, whirling around to face him.
"The whole conversation." Harisson admitted. He didn't want to lie to Otto if he didn't have to. Od knew how many times the taboo would force him to do so already, and he was none too eager to add to that list. "Any idea what's going on there?"
"N…no, I don't…" Otto muttered, looking concerned. "But well, I suppose we will just have to wait for them to come back to know more." Harisson frowned.
"I guess." He sighed. "Damn it. Well, in the meantime, want to play a couple rounds of cards?" Otto shrugged.
"Sure. It might help pass the time."
Hours later, and no sign of Subaru could be found. A large search was organized, people dispersing through the village to try and find it.
Emilia turned to Ram as she opened her eyes.
"Ram, anything?" The red haired maid shook her head.
"Sadly, no."
"Anyone who wanders into the Lost Forest at night alone ain't gonna make it back easy." Garfiel exclaimed, having stood nearby the two. Otto frowned, confused as Harisson took a step towards the demihuman.
"Alone?" Otto said questioningly. Garfiel turned to him with a menacing glare, causing the merchant to look away with a gasp. "N…nevermind."
"Hey now, ju…" Harisson began, only for Otto to grab him by the arm.
"Stop." He whispered. "Not here." Harisson grit his teeth.
"But he's lying!" Harisson reluctantly said in a quiet voice.
"Puck, why won't you come out?" Emilia said as Garfiel walked up to them.
"Hey, bros. Come with me for a sec."
"Huh?" Otto said, but offered no further resistance as Garfiel dragged him off, glaring at Harisson.
"You too bro." Harisson nodded, following silently. The palm of his hand fell on his sword's pommel. He couldn't hope to match Garfiel's speed and strength in a straight up brawl. But a surprise attack… No. Not with Otto right in his hands. Too risky.
When they were alone, Garfiel slammed Otto into a tree.
"Hey!" Harisson exclaimed, drawing his sword menacingly. "What the hell…" Garfiel didn't deign him with a look, rapidly turning and kicking the sword out of his hand with terrifying speed.
"Both of you shut the fuck up." Harisson glared at the demi human as Otto cowered against the tree. "I thought only the merchant saw us, but I guess it's two loose ends. Both of you keep quiet on this, and I'll make it worth your while." Garfiel said, pulling out a brilliant purple gem from his pocket. Otto's eyes grew wide at the sight, a mixture of greed and hesitation crossing him. Harisson was genuinely dumbfounded.
"Are you… are you bribing us?"
"Ah… Garfiel…" Otto slowly said, exchanging a look with Harisson. The innkeep's eyes grew wider still. There was a deep focus in those eyes. "I'm afraid I am going to have to decline." Garfiel sighed.
"I wouldn't be so quick if I were you." Garfiel slowly said, his eyes glinting with menace.
"I mean, you can't have expected us to agree." Harisson sighed. "You're clearly hiding something." Otto and he exchanged a look. Garfiel glared at them threateningly.
"I'm feeling generous. You get one chance to change your mind." Garfiel leaned forward. "So?" Harisson and Otto exchanged another look.
"I can't believe we got away." Harisson said breathlessly, panting heavily as he leaned against a tree. "Seriously. That guy is so ridiculously fast. If it hadn't been for the search party making it harder for him to follow we'd be so caught."
"Tell…" Otto gasped, clearly struggling to breathe after running for so long. "Tell me about it. Mah, what a mess this is…" The merchant moaned. "What is even happening…"
"You tell me." Harisson sighed. "Nothing here makes any Od damn sense." He grumbled, frustrated. "The biggest question is where the hell Subaru is." He knew the boy was alive. If he wasn't, the world would have reset already.
"That's…" Otto sighed. "I might have a way to help. It won't be easy, but well. We don't have much a choice."
"We could go back and tell the others about it." Harisson offered.
"And send Garfiel berserk? Expose the villagers to any manner of violence to get us to comply?" Harisson winced.
"Okay. Nevermind. So what, we're just… on the run?"
"No. We're looking for Mister Natsuuki." Harisson sighed.
"Alright. How do we start?" Otto smiled sheepishly, a hint of hesitation in his eyes.
"We… we use my divine blessing." Harisson blinked.
"Divine blessing? You have one of those?" Otto nodded.
"Yes. It's not the most pleasant one, but it should be helpful in our circumstances." Otto fidgeted. "It's…" He took a deep breath. "It's to talk to animals." Harisson blinked.
"Wow. That actually sounds pretty damn useful." Otto seemed surprised at that. "Does it work with, like, every animal?"
"I…I suppose?"
"Got it. In that case, I'll follow your lead for this one." Otto's confused expression quickly turned to a smile.
"Understood."
A day of searching and they were no closer to finding Subaru than before. Frustration was taking hold of both of them, but they managed to avoid snapping at each other. It was worse for Harisson. At least Otto had an ability that was useful here.
A branch snapped near their little hideout. Harisson jerked upwards. It was still night, his eyes darting into the darkness. They hadn't been using a fire or anything else to keep warm out of fear of Garfiel finding them. No doubt the boy was still looking for them even now.
Was this it?
He pulled his sword, holding it in a defensive stance.
"Put that silly thing away before you poke an eye out." Harisson sagged at the sound of the voice.
"Ram." He said in relief, watching as the red haired maid emerged from the tree line. "Thank Od, it's just you."
"How rude. Ram is not 'just you.' Ram is a splendid existence and you should be grateful to be blessed with my presence." Harisson rolled his eyes, taking a deep bow.
"My apologies, your grace. We are honored you have chosen to join us." Ram's lips stretching into a satisfied smirk.
"Better." Her eyes grew serious as she walked up to him, poking him in the chest. "Now. Explain." Harisson quickly nodded, gesturing at her to take a seat before explaining to her what had happened with Garfiel. By the end of it, Ram sighed deeply.
"Goodness. It seems Subaru got himself caught in a mess once again." Harisson shook his head.
"Tell me about it." He reached out, shaking Otto awake. "Oi. Otto. We have a guest."
"Wha…" Otto slowly woke up, panicking at the sight of Ram. "Wha! Harisson!"
"Calm down, calm down! She's not hostile!" Harisson paused. "I think." He turned to Ram. "Actually, I haven't asked you how you found us or what you plan on doing now." Harisson frowned. "Are you going to bring us back to Garfiel?"
"Garfiel isn't acting alone." Ram bluntly said. "He wouldn't plan something like that by himself. And I'm not working with him, so no." She tilted her head. "As for how I found you, I used Clairvoyance."
"Clairvoyance?" Harisson asked curiously.
"I can see through the eyes and ears of animals and people." She explained. "Pretty easy to track you down from there." Harisson chuckled nervously.
"Ha. Yeah. Yeah I guess that would do it." Otto gulped.
"So… you're not here to stop us?" Ram shook her head, sighing.
"What part of I'm not working with him did you not get?" Otto eeped, hiding behind Harisson who gave him a wide eyed glance.
"Dude! I am not the choice of shield here!" He gestured at Ram. "She can fold me in like, three seconds."
"Ram can do it in two." The maid confidently said.
"She can do it in two!" Harisson immediately agreed.
"Anyways, I am here to help you. You're looking for Subaru, right?" They nodded. "Then let me help. Things are going poorly without him, and Lady Emilia's condition is degrading with every trial attempt." Harisson frowned.
"It's that bad huh…" He nodded. "Well, we can use any help we can get. Welcome to the rescue party."
"Are you sure it's here?" Harisson whispered, Ram nodding confidently.
"Yes. He's in here. I can guarantee it." They all looked to the stone building half buried under the forest floor.
"This really is remote. No wonder no one found him." He sighed. "Alright. Ram, you and I stand guard. You're the only one of us who can actually fight Garfiel if he shows up, and I've got an actual weapon unlike Otto." Ram nodded.
"Of course. Otto, you go in and get our friend out of there." The merchant nodded, a determined look crossing his face.
"I'll be right back." With that, they watched him disappear into the building.
"...You know, I really am glad you're here Ram." Harisson said. "It's good to have a friend by my side."
"Friend?" She said questioningly. "Ram does not remember this development." Harisson blinked, a blush crossing his face. Of course she didn't! It was from another… Gah, he'd just…"But I suppose I can accept that." He paused in his flustering. Then, a grin spread on his face.
"My, how gracious. Truly an honor this is." She rolled her eyes.
"Yes, yes. Heap more praise onto me."
"Who could not be so thrilled to be friends with the divine, splendid, wonderful, amazing, astounding…" She slapped his arm.
"Enough. You're embarrassing even me. You sound like Barusu when he talks about Lady Emilia." He sighed dramatically.
"You wound me! Even I am not that bad." She took a thoughtful expression.
"Well, I suppose it is hardly your fault for falling for my incredible charms." Harisson snorted, finding himself on the receiving end of a vicious glare. "Right?"
"Of course, of course. Utterly irresistible." He giggled softly. "Man, if I start being as bad as Subaru whenever I end up falling for someone please punt me." Ram gave a him a long, considering look.
"Hm. Very well." She turned back to the building. "It seems they are emerging." Otto exited the building, a roughed up Subaru following behind as they looked from behind the bushes.
"Oh thank Od, he's alright." Harisson said with a relieved sigh, nearly falling on his ass. "A bit banged up, but alright."
"How disgraceful. Don't lose composure for so little." Harisson rolled his eyes at Ram's remark.
"Hardy har."
"Ram? Harisson?" Subaru's voice brought their attention back to the other two. Subaru looked genuinely surprised to see them both there. "You guys are Otto's helpers?"
"To say I am a helper would be to put us on equal terms. I am an attendant." Ram answered with her arms crossed. Harisson sighed.
"Ram, come on…" He smiled at Subaru. "Glad to see you're doing alright there." Subaru chuckled, rubbing his neck. The group began walking away as they discussed.
"Yeah, it wasn't the best time for sure…" Harisson frowned at the flippant tone Subaru used.
"My orders from Lord Roswaal were to assist you." Ram spoke up, getting the attention back to her. "It was my own decision to seek those two out to meet that end." Harisson felt his blood run cold, taking a step back; A reaction which did not go unnoticed by the others.
"The… The Margrave?" He said, fear in his voice. Ram frowned at him.
"Yes. You have no reason to concern yourself, he wants to help us."
"Harisson?" Subaru asked, a glint in his eyes. Harisson met his gaze, trying to convey what he dared not say in front of Ram. He wasn't sure if the message was received as Subaru tried to shift the conversation back on track.
"So they measured up to your standards?"
"I just thought if there was no one I could handily use, you would end up dying in vain." Harisson winced at the word choice.
"Not a great joke." He commented, even as Subaru dramatically declared:
"Crap, I can't deny that!"
"Well you should!" Otto replied, offended.
"Not funny Subaru." Harisson bluntly said, causing the boy to nervously chuckle.
"Right, right." Ram observed the two with a calculating look.
"For someone who's been confined, you seem awfully composed." Otto blinked, looking back to Subaru with a look of realization as Subaru chuckled.
"Well, I did just have a good laugh." Otto gave a nervous chuckle at that, Harisson glancing at Ram with a nervous look. Did she know about Lord Roswaal? Was she being manipulated? Too much unknown there. He wanted to trust her, Od knew he did. But the Margrave's existence threw all of that into jeopardy. He couldn't communicate his full discoveries to Subaru, not with her here, not…
"We're going to escape." Ram suddenly declared. "Garf can't leave the graveyard while Lady Emilia is attempting the trial. We'll leave while his attention is away from us."
"No." Subaru replied. "Running away can wait until later."
"Mister Natsuki?" Otto exclaimed, clearly surprised.
"I'm not saying we won't run, but this is a golden opportunity."
"What are you planning?" Ram demanded.
"I'm going to do what I was trying to do three days ago, before I was interrupted." Harisson frowned, confused. That could mean a lot of things, frankly. "Ram. I need to see Roswaal." Ram frowned.
"It is doable whilst Garf is busy, but is now really the best time?"
"Trust me. I need to see him. I need to ask him something." Subaru insisted. His eyes burned with focus. Harisson wasn't sure he liked what he was seeing in them.
"Subaru…" Harisson hesitantly said. "Lord Roswaal… his behavior since arriving at the Sanctuary…" He glanced at Ram. She was looking at him very intently. "Just… be careful with what you say, alright? He is still a lord after all." He tried to say it with humor whilst conveying his intent with his eyes. He couldn't speak openly of this, but… at least put Subaru a little more cautious towards the Margrave would do for now. Subaru gave him a look, and a barely noticeable nod.
"Mah mah, I'll make sure to mind my manners then."
"Harisson." Ram spoke up as Subaru entered the house Lord Roswaal was in. "A word, if you wouldn't mind." Harisson gulped, exchanging a nervous look with Otto.
"I'm sure we can discuss this with Otto here, can't we?" Ram's answering glare made any courage Harisson had been mustering wither and shrivel in on itself. "Nevermind. Otto, we'll be right back."
"Um, if you are sure…" Otto said, worry in his voice. "Don't go too far, the last thing we want is to get caught off guard by Garfiel…"
"We will be fine. Now come on, Harisson." Ram pointedly said. With that, she grabbed his hand and pulled him far away that they could speak without Otto overhearing them. "Now. Explain yourself."
"I don't understand what you mean." Harisson quickly replied. "And come on, is this really the time?"
"Harisson." Ram's voice was strained. It was enough to catch Harisson off guard, the innkeep looking at her with a cautious look. "The situation is difficult enough as it is. You are one of the few people I can trust." Harisson felt a surge of guilt at that. He couldn't say the same of her. And yet… he had his reasons. "So tell me. Why are you so cautious of Lord Roswaal?"
"I…" He hesitated. What could he say? What could satisfy her? What lie… Immediately, he regretted the thought. He didn't want to lie to her. But he couldn't tell her the truth either. Od, no wonder Subaru had become so good at dodging conversations and speaking in half truths, if that was what he had to deal with everytime. "It's a bunch of factors, really. First, he requested me to report on Subaru's activities." Ram frowned at that, but didn't seem overly surprised. How much she knew was a mystery to him. Perhaps she was already aware of the Margrave's task. "Which in itself is a little odd. Secondly, him allowing Garfiel and the other people in the Sanctuary free reign over the villagers of Arlam."
"He is injured."
"Bullshit." Harisson spat back, anger filtering in his voice at the memory of the man knocking him out. "Or at least, he's not injured enough to not win this fight. He's the Od damn Margrave, Ram!"
"Garfiel is stronger than you think." The maid replied with a glare. "Would you rather the Lord start flinging fireballs everywhere, risking killing the people he is meant to protect?" Harisson tsked, but didn't have an answer to that.
"Alright, fine. But still, the way he's been acting… it's just… wrong." He sighed. "That's it. It's just off. My every instinct is screaming at me to be careful." He sighed. "And then, there's the fact that apparently, he tasked you with reporting back to him over me." That was the first of the things he said that actually brought a reaction out of her besides a glare, making her flinch and look away. It was a low blow, but an honest one.
"...I suppose I can't fault you for this." Ram sighed. "But I promise you, Lord Roswaal has excellent reasons for his actions."
"Maybe so. But that doesn't mean I'll trust them when he seems so unwilling to share those reasons." Harisson cautiously observed Ram, ready to bolt the moment she made a move towards him. To his surprise however, she merely nodded.
"Very well. I merely ask you refrain from doing anything reckless that could endanger the others or yourself." She paused. "I would rather you not get caught in this mess."
"Well, it's a little late for that." He chuckled softly. "Far too late in fact. All that's left to do is commit to the end." He sighed. "I can't trust him. But I trust you, and the villagers of Arlam." He glanced at the woods. Ram, Otto and his plan coming to mind. Hopefully it wouldn't come down to it. "So I'll keep going along with the plan." Ram sighed.
"As unfortunate as it is."
Harisson pointed at the door of the building as Subaru exited it. "Looks like they're done."
"Hm." Ram didn't insist as he started walking back towards the discussing Otto and Subaru, following behind him with an unreadable look. It made him a little nervous, he had to admit.
"Did you get any answers?" Otto asked Subaru as they reached the other two.
"Yeah, quite a few." Subaru answered, patting Patrasche. Whilst Ram and Harisson had been discussing, Otto had gone fetch her as they had discussed before going to rescue Subaru. "I think all the pieces fit together now." Harisson let out a sigh of relief. At least Subaru's conversation with Roswaal had gone better than his own. "What's the plan?"
"A carriage would be conspicuous." Otto noted. "You and I will ride together." He added, looking at Patrasche. "Is that all right?"
"I guess you'd be in danger if you stayed here, too." Subaru agreed. "But what about Harisson?"
"I'm staying here." The innkeep said. "There's not enough room on the ground dragon for all of us, and Garfiel can't make a move on me as long as I stick with Lady Emilia and Lord Roswaal." He hoped at least. "And unlike Otto, it won't be suspicious if I spend a lot of time with Ram to avoid him."
"I guess so… but I was kind of hoping Ram would come with us as well." Subaru admitted. Harisson didn't have to ask why. That assassin in the mansion. Of course. Something he couldn't have mentioned during the planning with the others. "Once we're out of the Sanctuary, our first stop is the mansion. We can't leave Frederica to fend for herself." Subaru looked to Otto. "But if it's just the two of us…"
"That's hardly enough to fight if need be." Ram agreed. "So you want me to come along then."
"Well, if you would… but I'm not sure with Harisson being stuck here now if you do."
"Regardless, even with the two of you accounting for half a man each, there still isn't enough room on the ground dragon." She remarked.
"Was the half man comment necessary?" Otto complained.
"Havin' a cozy little chat while ya have a walk?" Harisson's blood froze as he whirled around at the voice, eyes widening at the sight approaching them. Otto and Subaru gasped as Ram's expression faltered, all turning to face the new arrival.
Garfiel was positively radiating malice as he walked towards them, an ominous red aura surrounding his entire body. "Well since I'm here, why not let me in on the fun?" Patrasche put herself in between them, protectively standing before Subaru. Harisson had to admit, he was utterly terrified of Garfiel at this very moment. "The brighter it shines, the farther away the magrizza goes, as they say!" Even despite his strange statements.
"Shouldn't you be overseeing the trial right now?!" Subaru exclaimed. "Do you have time to waste hanging around here?!" Harisson palmed the pommel of his broadsword, before remembering exactly what happened the last time he held a sword in Garfiel's presence. He refrained from pulling it out from its sheath.
"My job is to protect this Sanctuary! So if the Sanctuary's under threat, you better believe I have time! You couldn't escape the eyes of the Sanctuary!"
"Eyes of the Sanctuary?" Subaru muttered.
"Protect it from what?!" Harisson found the strength to exclaim.
"Haaaaah?" Garfiel asked menacingly. "Isn't it obvious?"
"If you mean Subaru, not really! He's not exactly the most threatening guy out there!" Harisson argued back. "Ram alone could kick his ass a dozen times over!"
"I could." Ram quickly agreed.
"Wow, I know what you're trying to do Harisson, but that still hurts you know." Subaru said with a strained chuckle.
"SHUT UP!" Garfiel snarled. "I was sayin' your plans got leaked!" Garfiel composed himself, his angry grimace turning to a cocky yet menacing smirk. "So? Where'd ya think you're headin' off to? Well?" Otto and Subaru took a step back, clearly frightened by the intimidating aura Garfiel was radiating. Harisson could hardly blame them. He'd have moved back as well if his legs didn't feel as heavy as lead right now.
"We're going to get Barusu outside the Sanctuary." Ram spoke up, stepping forward when they all stood frozen in fear. "He'll cause trouble for you if he stays here too, so I'd say this works perfectly for you." Harisson watched with no small amount of relief as the menacing aura around Garfiel dissipated somewhat. He still looked threatening, but at least there wasn't this strange energy surrounding him. He looked at Subaru and Otto. What options did they have but to rely on Ram? It was either that, or the desperate plan they'd come up with.
"Think you know what's goin on in my head, do ya? Damn, there ain't nothin' lovable about you at all." The demihuman grinned. "That's what I like about ya though."
"So can we assume that you're agreeing to let us go?" Subaru asked, taking a few steps forward.
"Subaru!" Harisson whispered agitatedly.
"What?" Immediately, Garfiel's menacing red energy reappeared. "I know damn well it'd be a pain in my ass to keep you here! The thing is…" He grinned. "To put it another way, Hoshin was Banan's sunset!" Harisson's eyes widened, cursing internally as he unsheathed his sword, taking a step forward as Ram and Otto did the same.
"Oh, really? I don't really understand your idioms at all, but as long as you realize…" He noticed the other's movements. "What's with you guys?"
"Given your lack of education, you might not have understood that." Ram said ominously.
"Hoshin was Banan's sunset is a saying based on the tale of how the legendary trader, Hoshin, brought the small nation of Banan to ruin." Otto continued the explanation. He turned to Subaru. "It gives your opponent two options: surrender or face an all out attack."
"Surrender or all-out attack?" Subaru said in shock.
"You don't get more decisive than that." Harisson said softly, trying to mask his anxiety and fear.
"Garf, are you so dumb that you didn't understand me?" Ram quickly said, trying to defuse the situation.
"You're the one who'd better watch what you say, Ram! Just because I'm hot for ya, that don't mean I won't twist yer arm. Take him back to where he was!" Harisson frowned at that, finding his fear dampened by fury at the thought of his friend being dragged back to his imprisonment. Ram pulled out her wand.
"You're really fixated on keeping me confined, aren't you? Keeping me here is bad news, so if you can let me go right now for free, why wouldn't you?!" Subaru asked.
"I dunno what the hell you are!" Garfiel angrily retorted back. "That means I can't let you outside!"
"That decision may upset Lord Roswaal." Ram mentioned. "Because to Lord Roswaal, Barusu is…" She looked back at Subaru. "... a useless employee. He could easily be discarded."
"You've got some nerve, saying that right now!" Subaru exclaimed.
"It would upset Roswaal?" Garfiel said in an amused, yet infuriated voice. "How much do you think he cares about this place, about the old hag or anyone else?!" Garfiel snarled. "He doesn't give a damn! Not about you either, Ram!"
"Lord Roswaal is…"
"Shut up, shut up, shut up!" Garfiel lashed out, slamming his fist into a tree, shattering the trunk in a single hit. As it fell to the ground, a realization came to Harisson.
Ram was right. He had no idea how strong Garfiel was. And if what had been demonstrated right there was any indication…
They couldn't win. Hell, their plan might not even work. They couldn't win this.
All that was left was trying to prevent a fight.
"Garfiel." The demihuman looked at him, apparently surprised enough that he'd dared speak up. "Let's say you're right. About Roswaal, I mean."
"Harisson, how dare…" Ram began, seething, only to stop when he glared at her.
"The hell are ya yapping about?" Garfiel said in a furious voice.
"Like I was saying, let's say you're right about Roswaal." Harisson gestured to Subaru. "He might not care about Subaru, but Lady Emilia does. And she is a royal candidate. She is known. She won't let the matter rest if something happens to him." Harisson took another step forward. "And if anything happens to her, Lord Roswaal will intervene. And if anything happens to him… well. There is no way the capital will be able to keep this quiet, or leave it alone. What do you think will happen next?" Harisson opened his arms. "The path you're taking, the one of using violence? It will only work for now, until they bring violence back, violence so great you can't fight back against it. And then what?" Garfiel was staring at him with anger and a hint of hesitation. Harisson didn't relent, pushing further. "Messing with a royal candidate is bad news. Messing with the Margrave is even worse news. And from what I hear, Subaru helped defeat the White Whale itself. People will remember that, and if he disappears? Well. Let alone what will be done when the villagers from Arlam come back. There's too much cleanup, too much mess to deal with after this." Harisson shook his head. "This won't help anyone, least of all the people of the Sanctuary." In truth, he had no idea how the capital would react if things went wrong here. Would they even be able to know what happened, would they care? Harisson was bluffing, and bluffing hard. But he had an advantage. Garfiel was someone who, if Harisson was correct, had spent his entire life in the Sanctuary. He was ignorant of the outside world in comparison to even someone like Harisson.
"...I can't let'em leave." Garfiel said in a surprisingly calm voice. "He's got the witch's scent all over'em. I have no clue what he and that bastard Roswaal are planning, but I ain't lettin' it happen!" Harisson felt his nervousness rise as Garfiel worked himself up.
"Harisson helped kill an archbishop of sin. No way is he with the witch cult or even on their side!" He argued back.
"That guy?! You've got to be jokin'." Garfiel scoffed. "Ram, tell me he's lyin'."
"As much as it pains me to say." Ram paused. "A lot. It pains me a lot."
"Unnecessary." Subaru commented, his smile a little too stiff.
"But he is correct. Barusu did in fact play a significant role in both of these events."
"..." Garfiel looked down for a moment, only to look back up with a deadly look on his face. "Then what? I let'im go, and we all just continued as if nothing happened? Just go on, like it's all fine and dandy? Hell nah!" Garfiel took a step forward. "I'm not letting you trick me with words!" Harisson groaned in frustration.
"None of what I said was a trick! It's all true! For fuck's sake, what do you care more about?! The people of the Sanctuary, or your own damn ego?!" That must have been a line too far, as the next second Harisson was flying through the air, a sudden and brilliant pain radiating from his chin as he came crashing down into the floor a dozen metres away.
"ENOUGH! HAND'EM OVER, OR I…"
"Miss Ram!" Otto cried out, grabbing Subaru and running to Patrasche.
"Go!" Ram exclaimed, charging towards Garfiel with a furious expression on her face. "You stupid, stubborn furball!" With that, she sent a sphere of concentrated air towards him, forcing him to dodge as Subaru and Otto began escaping on Patrasche. "Harisson! Run as well!" Harisson groaned, slowly getting up.
"Like hell… I can't just… leave you alone…" He pulled out the sword.
"All of you… ALL OF YOU GETTING IN THE WAY!" Garfiel screamed.
"You can't help against him! You'll only slow me down!" Ram snarled at him, expression torn between focus and concern. "GO!" Harisson clenched the pommel of his sword, watching as Garfiel rushed towards Ram.
She was right. He was only going to be a nuisance if he stayed there.
And so, he turned.
And he ran.
And despite his best efforts, despite his desperate attempts at being brave… Some part of him was relieved that he didn't have to fight.
He was just an innkeeper in way over his head after all.
He ran blindly down the road, in the same direction as Subaru and Otto. Where to, he wasn't sure. No way was he catching up to them if they were riding Patrasche. Lights shone around him as the villagers from Arlam put their plan into action; Illuminating the way towards the barrier for Subaru. He hoped they made it out alright.
He ran. Ran as fast as he could.
A colossal roar echoed through the woods, freezing the blood in his veins. His eyes widened as his breath came out ragged. He was scared. So scared. This primal animal instinct of realizing one had become prey.
The sound of shattered stone and moving dirt rushed behind him, Harisson turning around to find a veritable avalanche of debris collapsing towards him.
There was no way. This was just too much. Just how strong was that bastard Garfiel?! This was ridiculous… How in the world were they meant to…
His thoughts were brought to an abrupt halt as he was buried underneath the landslide.
Harisson's body jerked as he fell to the ground, reflexively trying to protect himself from the imminent death coming for him, closing his eyes as he braced himself.
"Eh? Harisson?" Harisson's eyes snapped open at Otto's voice. "Are you alright? You suddenly fell down!" Night time. The ruins. The forest behind him. He was back. Back to that place. Back with Otto, Ram, and…
"Mah, that guy's real clumsy isn't he?" Harisson's blood turned to ice at the sound of the demihuman's voice. Garfiel.
"Harisson?" Otto asked again, kneeling in front of him. "You are worrying me." Harisson forced a smile on his face.
"S…sorry, just had a bit of a dizzy spell. I'm fine." He sighed dramatically, getting back up. "Man, that's embarrassing."
"Jeez, you need to eat more Harisson…" Otto sighed, patting him on the back. "An innkeeper should know better!" Harisson rolled his eyes.
"Yes, yes." It seemed he'd successfully hidden his fear for now.
"Harisson." Ram spoke up. "Refrain from expressing your affection for the ground in my presence if you would." Harisson glared at her.
"Oi. I'll have you know…" A cold shiver ran down his spine. A familiar feeling, brushing right at the bottom of his ankle. How could he ever mistake this feeling for anything else? How could he ever confuse it? He knew what this was. His eyes widened in horror as they glanced down."RAM!"
The floor was covered in shadows. Unnatural, twisting, roiling shadows. The same shadows that always accompanied the hands that tore him to shreds when his memories began to stabilize. He didn't even have the time to move before they reached out to him, engulfing him whole.
Harisson was frozen solid as he remained standing, his body shaking as his breath came out ragged.
"Eh? Harisson?" Again. He was back again. His eyes immediately flickered to the floor. No shadows. At least, none like the ones that had just killed him. Had they even killed him? He didn't remember anything past the point where the shadows had swallowed him. Od, of all the loops… what the hell happened to cause this?! Such a massive deviation, so soon… it made no sense. No sense at all.
"I'm fine." He said through gritted teeth. "Bad memory."
"O…oh." Otto said, clearly unsure what to answer to that. It took a few minutes for Subaru and Emilia to exit the ruins. Harisson caught Subaru's eyes. The boy had been crying.
Damn it all.
What the hell happened?!
What use was remembering if he just got himself killed in the very beginning of a loop?!
"So…" Subaru's voice trailed off as he stared into the forest. "That was some bad loops."
"...that's one way to put it." Harisson softly said. "What happened after I died? In both of those." Subaru shrugged.
"...Not sure you want to know, honestly. It got…" Subaru grew silent. "It got really bad. Like, really bad. I lost it at some point." Harisson looked up to Subaru with a hesitant gaze.
"...You know what?" Harisson eventually said. "I'm just going to trust you on this one. I know I'm not as strong as you." Harisson brought his knees closer to his chest. "Never have been."
"Don't put yourself down like that man." Subaru reprimanded. "I'm not strong by choice."
"Bullshit." Harisson replied. "You're the most stubborn bastard I know." That brought a small grin to Subaru's face.
"Ha. Tell me about it." Subaru stretched. "Well, at least I got some information out of it."
"Oh?" Harisson said curiously. "A way out of this situation?"
"Hopefully. Might take a couple more tries to get it right." Subaru admitted.
"I don't like when you put it that way." Harisson complained. "But I suppose you're the expert."
"...You've changed Harisson, you know that?" Subaru said with a melancholic smile. "I mean, it's to be expected… no one comes out of this stuff untouched. Still, I hoped you could remain like the others. Untouched by this horrible power."
"...Well. I'll admit ignorance was bliss." Harisson sighed, letting his legs stretch. "But it's reassuring knowing you don't have to deal with all this stuff alone, frankly. Although there were times I very much regretted it." He admitted with some shame.
"Mah, I don't blame you." Subaru sighed. "I'm going to go talk to Ram afterwards. I've got something to check on that side."
"Alright. Want me to tag along?" Subaru shook his head.
"Nah. I'd rather you stay here and keep an eye on the others." Subaru sighed. "No matter how strong this ability is, I can only be in one place at a time."
"Right, right." Harisson let out a deep sigh. "Hope Garfiel doesn't flip out again."
"That was a pretty good speech you had with him. I was hoping it would work." Harisson shook his head.
"I was bluffing. I have no clue how politics work or if people would even care about what happened here… let alone know. He must have picked up on that." Harisson groaned. "I'm not a very good liar."
"That's not a bad thing, you know." Subaru said. "I'm becoming one, and I don't think I enjoy it much."
"Hm." Harisson shrugged. "Well, you can always count on me to hold you accountable if you pull some bullshit." Subaru looked at him with a surprised expression, before a surprisingly relieved smile came to his face.
"Yeah. I guess so." Harisson frowned.
"Oi. Don't take me seriously. I don't think I could actually stop you. Your power is way too strong." Subaru chuckled.
"I guess." There was something strange about his expression. A distant look. Harisson wasn't sure what to make of it. "Say, Harisson. Try and stay out of trouble, yeah? I'd prefer you avoid any further bad memories next time." With that, he pushed himself off the wall and started heading off back towards the building Lord Roswaal rested in. Harisson frowned, staring at his back.
"...Are you already resigned to there being a next time, Subaru?" He whispered to himself. Then, he shook his head. "Ugh. What am I saying? He knows better." Looking to the sky, the innkeeper wondered. "It feels like we've been here forever. What should I even do to occupy myself at this point?" As expected, no one answered him. "This sucks."
With that, he decided to find and harass Otto. Hopefully Subaru would come back with a good plan.
Od knew they needed it.