It took Rem a while to stop crying.
For Rem, that pain she had felt played over and over in her mind. The way she had been grabbed by an invible hand, powerless to resist, put more fear into her heart than anything ever had before.
Eventually she did manage to calm herself, composing herself to enough to speak properly.
"Subaru..." she started "We have to stop this from happening... We have to get the others, find Roswaal-sama maybe. He might be the only one strong enough to fix this."
Subaru agreed. He had heard that Roswaal was an OP magic user. If they were going to fight Betelgeuse, having Roswaal there would be invaluable.
"Rem. How long would it take to get to the capital?" He asked. Rem could see an odd shine in his eyes as he said this.
"The better part of a day. hff-" Rem paused to snivel "Maybe six hours if we travelled as fast as possible."
Subaru nodded slowly. / Six hours... That's just enough time to go to the capital, get the others, and come back. Although I'm not sure if we should even come back. /
"Rem." He looked at her seriously. "What do we do? Do we get reinforcements and fight, or do we go to Ram and the others and stop them from coming at all?"
Rem looked back at him. "Rem doesn't know. If we go the others and never come back, won't the village be in danger?"
"Then we'll just evacuate the villagers before we go!"
"Evacuating the village is an option... That would take a long time though, and a lot of people might stay anyway, not heeding our warning. The only way-"
She looked at back at Subaru, unsure whether or not to finish that sentence. / The only way we can save everyone is to get the others and fight. / She finished it in her head.
/ It isn't fair though, making him fight that monster. Subaru-kun isn't physically strong. Just because he has this power, it doesn't mean he should have to die over and over again. / She thought to herself.
"Subaru-kun. Rem is sorry for breaking her promise." Rem said, looking ashamed. Subaru was a bit surprised in the change of topic.
"Rem it's fine." Subaru put an arm around her shoulder. "A guy like that... He was too strong." He tried to reassure her, but Rem had a solemn look.
"It's not fine Subaru-kun. Rem promised you she wouldn't let you die, but then she went and brought you to that cave. To that lunatic. and then- and then you-" Rem wiped tears from her face, as a small trail of snot ran under her nose. "And then you killed yourself! Because I us got in trouble!"
Subaru gazed at her, unsure of how to respond.
"Rem told you didn't she!? That every time you sacrifice yourself, a part of Rem dies too!" Rem had her eyes closed tightly. "Rem doesn't think it is fair that you have to be the one to fix everything!"
Subaru listened to her intently. It felt like everything they had gone through together had led to this. If he couldn't find the right words now...
"Rem." he started "You told me something else too, remember? You told me that I could be as selfish as I want."
Rem looked back at Subaru, the way he had used her own words made her heart ache a little. Subaru continued. "That's why I'm doing this. I want you. I want Emilia. I want Ram. I want the village. Hell, I even want Beatrice, even if she complains too much! I want you all to be here, and to be happy in this mansion! I don't want it to end now, not after I've just had the best day of my life! I want to keep all of you to myself!"
"Subaru-kun..." Rem could see the determined expression he was making.
"That's why we have to Rem... Please." He said quietly. "Go get the ground dragon ready."
With that, Subaru got up, picking his shorts up from the floor. It seemed Rem wasn't ready to leave the conversation there though.
"That isn't being selfish Subaru-kun. That's just you being too kind, as always. And Rem, Rem loves that kindness, but that kindness is what is putting you through so much torment." She had a sad look. "Rem sees now that your power... It isn't a blessing, it's a curse."
Subaru waited a moment before anwering her.
"That's not the curse Rem. The power is fine, more than fine even, it let's me protect everything I care about." Subaru was clenching his fist as he said this. "The curse is that you have to see it."
Subaru left Rem's room, closing the door behind him. Now, Rem sat alone on the bed.
/ Rem sees that you're only acting Subaru-kun. How much more of this... until one of us breaks? /
*Scene Break*
Rem and Subaru were riding together on a ground dragon, having ditched the carriage to speed up the trip. They had just entered the capital now, and it was late in the afternoon. It had been decided that Rem would go get Ram and Roswaal from the hotel they were staying at. Subaru meanwhile, would go to the selection event that Emilia was attending to pick her up. / She might get really mad at me for interrupting, but after this is all over, she'll understand right? /
They found a spot in the city center to leave the dragon, and then they went their seperate ways.
/ If this is such an important event, then maybe Reinhart will be there. I should try and ask him for help too if I can. / Subaru thought to himself.
He had made his way to the palace now, following the map Rem had drawn for him. It was an imposing building, not a skyscraper by any means, but still impressively tall for this world. As he approached, he could see the guards looking at him. / I feel like it might be hard to get in without an invite. /
He waited for a few minutes outside of the building, biding his time for an opportunity to sneak in. The guards continued to stare at him, he looked quite suspicious.
Then, an ornate carriage pulled up to the entrance, and a familiar girl got out. / Felt... /
She looked completely different from when Subaru had last seen her, and her clothes were of the finest material. Subaru observed her for a moment, and saw that she was preparing to enter the building. He decided this was his chance. / You can't get in the frat party unless you bring a cute girl, right? /
"Felt!" he called out to her.
"Ohh- Subaru! How's it going? Haven't seen'ya around in a while." She waved to him.
Subaru thought Felt was odd. Her voice was squeeky and high-pitched, but she spoke almost exclusively in slang.
"I'm good thanks." He scratched his cheek. "Are you going in?"
"Yeahh." She said, unenthused. "Apparently, the geezers in there wanna see me."
She let out a sigh. "I don't have much choice since Reinhart insisted. He's such a bastard."
/ She is still with Reinhart? That's surprising. Well, at least I know he's here now. / Subaru thought to himself.
"Felt, can I ask you a favor? Can you bring me in with you?" Subaru asked her pleadingly.
"Huh? I dunno Subaru, that might not be a good idea. Why do you even wanna go in there, it's boring." She had a hesistant tone.
"Please Felt. I just need to deliver a message to Emilia." Felt still looked quite unsure.
/ I didn't wanna do this, but I don't have a choice. / Subaru grit his teeth.
"Remember Felt, you owe me one." He pointed at Felt. "I was the one who warned you about the bowel hunter - this is just us getting square."
Felt could see that Subaru was getting a little worked up. She hesitated to let him in, he seemed like a total loose cannon. / Then again, a loose cannon might just shake things up. / She grinned to herself.
"Okay Subaru. I'll say you're my attendant, that way you can come in with me." Felt looked him up and down. "Just don't make me look too bad!" She held up a clenched fist as a warning.
"Thanks Felt. You're the best."
With Felt's help, Subaru finally entered the royal palace.
When he entered the chamber of ceremonies, he was impressed by the size of the room. There were probably a few hundred people standing around. He saw one group of men who all had swords. Among them he spotted Reinhert. / These must be the knights of Lugunica then. /
The other side of room was comprised of older-looking gentlemen, all of them well groomed and well dressed. / Nobles, or maybe merchants? Rich folk in any case. /
In the front of the room he could see Emilia among a few other women. Her long, silver hair stood out like a sore thumb.
Wanting to maintain some discretion, Subaru approached Reinhart first, instead of Emilia.
"Pshhh. Reinhart!" Subaru whispered. Reinhart turned to face him.
"Subaru?" he said quietly.
"Yeah it's me."
"It's good to see you again."
"You too... Look I would love to exchange pleasantries, but I have an urgent situation, and I need your help." / I'm on a timer here. I can't afford to waste a single minute. /
"Urgent situation?" Reinhart inquired in a hushed tone.
"Yeah. It's the witch cult. I happen to know that one of the big bad guys, Betelgeuse, is going to attack the village of Arlem tommorrow."
Before they continue their conversation though, a loud announcement cut them off.
"Make way for the final candidate for the throne of Lugunica!" All the knights turned to face the person who had just entered the room. "Felt!"
/ No way! Felt is a candidate too? What are the odds? / Subaru thought to himself.
"And her knight, Reinhart van Astrea!" the announcer finished.
Reinhart left Subaru, walking towards the front of the room where Felt stood. / Reinhart and Felt? Maybe this can work out after all. /
Subaru waited for over an hour, trying to spot an opening for him to speak to Emilia. / I can't speak out of turn in a place like this... Those knights would probably kick my ass. /
Finally the conference ended, and Subaru ran up to where Felt, Reinhart, and Emilia were standing.
"Subaru?" Emilia was surprised to see him.
"Emilia. I need to tell you something." Subaru said to her. "It's about the village. People are in danger." There was a slight feeling of panic at the edge of his voice.
"What do you mean Subaru?" Emilia looked annoyed. "I thought I told you to stay out of trouble. What is going on?"
"Look Emilia, the witch cult is coming. I'm deadly serious. We-" He pointed at himself and Emilia. "Need to convince this guy-" He pointed at Reinhart with his thumb. "To come with us back to Arlem."
"Subaru, where is this coming from? The witch cult?" Emilia said "Tell me how you know this."
Subaru stiffened. / The unanswerable question. /
"Look I just do, okay? This is just like that time with the mabeasts." He looked at Felt and Reinhart. "And that time with Elsa."
Subaru continued. "I think I've done enough up to this point to have earned your trust. So, please, just believe me."
Emilia didn't like Subaru's forceful tone. It scared her a little bit. / He's speaking with such conviction. I want to believe him but... /
"I just don't know Subaru..." Emilia hesitated.
The memory of Rem floating in the cave flashed through Subaru's mind. / Just do as I say Emilia! / The frustration in Subaru grew, but he wouldn't let himself be overcome with anger, that wouldn't solve anything.
"Emilia, do you remember what you told me? 'Keep her safe'." He recalled the last conversation they had. "This is me, keeping my word."
That seemed to have done the trick. Emilia's eyes widened a little bit, and she gave him a small nod.
"Okay Subaru." She said.
Reinhart interrupted their conversation.
"Subaru, I'm afraid I already have things to do. My priorities now are here in the capital, with Felt."
"Reinhart you don't understand. This is going to happen. Do you, as a knight, not have some responsibility to protect the people of this country?" Subaru was disappointed in himself. He realized that he lacked any leverage whatsoever. / I have no power. I'm pathetic. /
"Subaru." Reinhart's voice was inquisitive "You say this is going to happen, and yet you can't say how. Tell me. Did you perhaps read about it in the Gospel?"
"What are you talking about? What do mean Gospel-"
Emilia cut Subaru off. "Subaru is a lot of things, but he certainly isn't with them." She said in an ice-cold tone. She was giving Reinhart a look that was more serious than what Subaru had ever seen before.
Reinhart spoke with a casually. "I see. I don't think Subaru is with them either, if I'm being honest." Reinhart looked at Subaru. "But personally, I don't think I can trust you, Natsuki Subaru."
Subaru took a step back. Making an enemy of the most powerful person in the country was not on Subaru's to-do list. Still, he had to be honest.
"Just shut up Reinhart! You might be strong, but that doesn't mean you know everything." Subaru scowled at the knight. "You'll see. When I come back with the cult Boss's head, I expect a written apology."
Reinhart smiled a little when he heard that.
"Let's go Emilia." Subaru motioned Emilia to leave with him. Emilia looked unsure. After a little pause, she walked towards Subaru slowly. They left the royal palace and went back to the hotel.
*Scene Break*
When they got back to the room, they were greeted by Ram and Rem.
"Where's Roswaal?" Subaru asked.
The pink haired maid answered him. "He's not in the capital. He flew off earlier to go visit some noble family."
/ Shit! / "So no Roswaal and no Reinhart..." Subaru looked at the three girls in front of him. / Can we really do this? /
Subaru turned to the blue-haired maid "Rem what do you want to do? Do you think we stand a chance?"
Rem looked unsure, pursing her lips together. "It might be possible... If sister uses my power... And if we ambush him... Rem thinks we could."
"I see." Subaru nodded. "What do you mean by that? 'If sister uses my power'."
It was Ram who responded. "My sister can channel her mana towards me if she's focusing. I'm sure you've seen Rem's horn before. I don't have a horn, but in this way, Rem can act as a substitute."
This satisfied Subaru.
Subaru explained the timeline of events. By tommorrow night, the village would be destroyed. That meant that they would have to travel through the night to get there in time to prepare an ambush.
Rem explained the attack plan. "We're targeting the person known as Betelgeuse. He seems to be the leader of this group. Rem figures that to kill snake, the most effective method is to cut off its head." Ram smiled and nodded in agreement.
Emilia didn't put up much protest. She had resigned herself to following Subaru's plan after what he had told her in the palace.
Subaru thought that Ram trusting him so readily was unexpected, but when he brought it up she responded with, "Don't get confused. It isn't you that I trust Barusu - It's Rem."
Rem must have done something to convince her sister before Subaru had arrived. / Is it possible Rem told her about return by death? /
He looked at Rem. She seemed to have read his mind, as she subtly shook her head to convey 'no'.
"Alright then, lets go."
*Scene Break*
They were back at the village, having ridden through the night. For the second time, Rem and Subaru, this time accompanied by Ram and Emilia, had entered the cave in the deepest part of the forest.
Now they were in that cavern where they had first met Betelgeuse.
"This is where they will make camp." Subaru briefed them. "The guy in charge, Betelgeuse, he seems to be a bit confused as to who I am." Subaru pointed at himself.
"That's why, I'm going to act as one of them. I'll tell the followers to go away - that I need to speak to Betelgeuse alone. In the mean time you guys will hide here." Subaru indicated a crevice in the wall that hid the girls from view.
"Just let me schmooze him for bit, I have to try and get his guard down. When I say the code word 'relax'." Subaru made air quotes "That's when you guys come out and give him a surprise."
"A simple plan for a simple man. Whatever you do, don't get too creative Barusu." Ram taunted him sarcastically.
"If you have any better ideas, I'm happy to hear them."
"..." Ram didn't say anything.
"Exactly. Rem what do you think?" Subaru turned to Rem.
"Mmm. Rem supposes this is the best we can hope for. There's no time to prepare now anyway, we don't know when they might arrive." It's clear she was thinking hard, but the information advantage that Rem and Subaru had wasn't much.
Rem continued the plan. "Rem will be transfering mana to sister. Rem won't be able to move much while she does this. That's why you two- or three rather" Rem looked at Subaru and Emilia, and remembered Puck. "Focus on protecting Rem. And we let sister fight Betelgeuse - she is the strongest among us."
They went over this plan a few more times, and then they took their positions.
Subaru sat alone at the end of the cavern. Waiting for his prey. Soon enough, he saw Betelgeuse and a group of cultists come in. When Betelgeuse saw him, the archbishop started screaming crazily, but Subaru couldn't make out what he was saying. He waited for Betelgeuse to approach him. / Just come a little bit closer, you bastard. /
Betelgeuse did eventually walk up to him, and Subaru got up to greet him.
"It's good to see you Betelgeuse." Subaru tried as hard as he could to make himself sound friendly.
"Tell me boy. Who might you be." Betelgeuse had a suspicious look on his face. "For what reason have you appeared before, on the cusp of the ordeal?"
"Me?" Subaru smiled at Betelgeuse. "I am pride. And I was hoping I could speak with you for a moment." He looked at the cultists. "Alone. The witch has given me some info to pass onto you."
At the mention of the witch, Betelgeuse bit down on his fingers. "The witch. The witch. The witch. THE WITCH!"
Betelgeuse literally started jumping for joy. He waved to the cultists, who all disappeared in an instant.
"Yes yes yes. Please. GO ON! What is this message, this knowledge, this so-called INFO!" Betelgeuse held his arms out straight and started spinning in a circle.
"Relax please. I will tell you what it is now."
Subaru waited for a moment. Nothing happened. / Are they stupid? That was the code word! / Subaru coughed. Loudly.
"REEEEELAX!? How very slothful! I cannot believe one like you is so loved! And yet you lack diligence. Diligence. DILIGENCE!" Betelgeuse seemed to have an aneurism when he heard it.
"Yeah." *cough cough* "Relax." He said again, in as loud a voice as possible.
Ram burst out, a red energy aura seemed to surround her, and she darted at inhuman speeds towards the sin archbishop. / I guess second time is the charm. / Subaru thought.
"El Fula!"
She made a slashing motion with her arm, and a violent lash of wind flew towards the enemy, moving so fast that Subaru could barely track it with his eyes.
"FSSSCH" The wind blade crashed into some invisible obstacle. Except it wasn't invisible. It was a purple arm, emerging from Betelgeuse. / The so-called unseen hand. / Subaru thought to himself.
"Ram!" Subaru shouted out. "I can see his attacks!"
Betelgeuse's expression turned to one of horror as he realized the situation he had put himself in.
"No. No. NO! It can't be... One who is so loved is working directly against the doctrine of the Gospel?" He screamed.
"Barusu, you have to open yourself to me! If you can see his ability, then I want to borrow your vision!"
"What does that even mean?" Subaru shourted out.
"Just do it!"
Subaru tried to imagine himself, his being. He closed his eyes momentarily, trying to open himself. A felt a relaxing sensation, like a knot in his chest being undone.
"Clairvoyance!" Ram exclaimed.
Subaru felt an electric current zip through his body. His vision suddenly became tinted red, and everything became a bit darker. It was like he was wearing sunglasses.
"I felt something, Ram." He called out. "I'm guessing it worked?"
Ram didn't bother answering him, she needed to conserve energy. She just moved her head slightly to indicate yes.
"Okay! Then do your thing Ram! We're counting on you!" Ram didn't need the encouragement. She was already engaging the enemy. She was flowing like the wind, gracefully slicing through each arm as they manifested, slowly inching closer to Betelgeuse.
"How!? How!? This is unacceptable! The unseen hand must not be seen!" Betelgeuse cried out fearfully.
Meanwhile Subaru ran to Emilia, who was standing in front of Rem. Rem was sat cross-legged, in a meditative pose. An intense look of concentration addorned her face.
"Emilia. I can see his attacks, so please do as I say." Subaru ordered.
"Yes!" Emilia gave him a determined look, and raised her arms forward to be ready at any moment.
Subaru didn't take his eyes off the battle, if Ram was borrowing his vision, then he would pay full attention to the opponent.
He watched as Ram tore through Betelgeuse's attacks. She dodged and weaved through his arms with dance-like movement. / A ballerina of death, maybe. / Subaru thought.
A thin coat of wind seemed to line her entire body, giving her attacks a crazy level of sharpness.
/ If she can just keep this up... We might actually do this! /
Out of nowhere a purple arm flew towards Emilia.
"Barrier! NOW!" Subaru barked.
"Hyuma!" Emilia shouted. A ice barrier formed around her, stopping the arm. Subaru ran towards it as it pushed against the barrier. Thankfully, he had brought with him a weapon. A big kitchen knife. He slashed down on the arm with all his force, severing it. The arm dematerialized and the barrier stood strong.
"Good Job." Subaru made a slight smirk "At this rate, we'll win." Rem hadn't been wrong about their plan. Catching Betelgeuse offguard, and using Ram like this... Rem definitely knew how to play to their strengths.
The battle continued in a stalemate for a few minutes.
Now, it was becoming obvious that Geuse was, well, out of juice. His arms moved far more sluggishly, and fewer and fewer of them were being made.
Subaru saw an opening.
/ This is my chance! / He rushed toward Betelgeuse. Betelgeuse sent two arms out in his direction, but they were too slow now. Subaru dodged one, and slashed the other.
"Ahhh!" Subaru unleashed a primal roar as he closed the distance. This was it. / I told you I would kill you, didn't I, Betelgeuse? /
He came onto Betelgeuse sprinting. Using all the momentum from his speed, Subaru shoved the knife into Betelgeuse's right eye. There was a satisfying crunch that could be heard as the knife punched through his skull.
Betelgeuse collapsed. Subaru stood in front of the corpse for a moment, surprised at the ease of his dying.
Images of Rem's mangled body flashed through Subaru's mind, and Subaru became enraged.
"I told you! I told you!" Subaru stomped on Betelgeuse's corpse, bloodying the head beneath his foot. He completely gave into his anger. "This is what you get, you psycho!" Subaru removed the knife and stuck in the nape of the neck. Blood spurted out all over his tracksuit.
"Subaru-kun! Enough!" Rem's voice snapped him back to reality.
When he turned to face her, Rem could see the tears streaming down Subaru's face. "Rem." He called out meekly.
The whole cavern had gone still. Total silence.
"Please! Rem can't stand to see like this!" Rem yelled out. "Just come back to Rem." She held her arms out towards Subaru.
Rem had broken the mana channel with her sister, who seemed to have powered-down to her usual self.
Subaru got up from beside the corpse, and wiped himself down a bit. He shakily walked towards Rem.
"Shhh Subaru-kun." Subaru fell to his knees, and hugged Rem, crying into her chest. "It's over now."
None of them said anything, and the sound of Subaru sobbing echoed through the cave.
Some time passed, and they decided to go back to the village and make sure it was safe. As they travelled through the forest they were attacked several times by cultists, but each time Rem and Emilia took care of them with ease.
Finally getting back to Arlem, Rem and Subaru were relieved to see everyone was still safe.
"It looks like we made it, huh Rem." Subaru's voice was hoarse. All the yelling and crying had taken its toll.
"Yes. This time, it seems we managed to save them." She smiled as she saw the villagers, who were blissfully ignorant of what had almost happened to them.
A large man with short, brown hair walked up to them. Subaru noticed he had a bit of a strange vibe. Suddenly, an unseen hand manifested itself from him, and moved towards Rem.
Not having time to think, Subaru just pushed her, hard, onto the floor.
/ Thank god, that was... /
Before he could even finish his thought, Subaru turned slightly to see Emilia, who had been standing behind Rem, wearing a surprised look on her face.
"Huh? What is..." Emilia looked down.
There was a massive hole where her stomach should've been. Emilia gave a surprised 'Oh' and then fell the ground.
/ What is going on... I thought... We killed him though... / Subaru couldn't comprehend what he was seeing.
"My brain... IT TREMBLES! The half-elf girl lies dead. Through my diligence, my diligence, my diligence, the ordeal has been completed!" The disguised villager gleefully shouted.
A wind blade from Ram promptly beheaded the man.
Rem, Ram and Subaru rushed to Emilia's side. It was clear as day when they saw the injury - Emilia had been killed.
"How could this happen..." Ram muttered out. "I don't understand it, Barusu, we killed him, didn't we?"
Ram's expression was terrifying. It disturbed Subaru to see so much emotion from the girl who always had a blank look.
"Ram I... I don't know. We didn't know about this. We thought it was just the one..." Subaru didn't know what to say. In the back of his mind, a dark thought started to form.
/ Do I... Have to reset? /
Having read his thoughts, Rem called out to him. "Please Subaru-kun, don't be rash... This is just... It's just..." She didn't have the heart to finish her sentence, breaking into tears halfway through.
"Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!" She finally finished.
Subaru just looked at Emilia. She had been his reason. Rem was his partner, definitely, but serving Emilia - that had been his ambition.
Still. He looked back at Rem. / She's been through enough. At this point, it is her decision. If she can't take another death, then I won't die. I'm sorry... Emilia. / Subaru felt a slight relief at that decision. He didn't want to die.
Subaru felt a chill.
He hadn't noticed it due to shock, but the temperature around them had started to plumet. Only now, when he looked around, did he see that the dew on the grass around them had turned to frost. / Huh? What is going on? /
"You dragged my daughter into this danger, didn't you Subaru." An ethereal voice belowed. It was deeper than usual, but Subaru recognized it. It was Puck.
"Puck? I..." Subaru started.
"Be quiet. There is nothing you can say to me." Puck interrupted him angrily. "For your sins, and in accordance with my contract, I will now end the world."
/ What? /
A great beast emerged from where Emilia had died. Ram, Rem, and Subaru ran to escape being crushed.
The cold that Subaru had felt seem to intensify. The air around them became so frigid that Subaru could feel a burning sensation on his skin.
He held Rem tightly. There was no doubt... this was the end.
He turned to face Ram. "Ram, come here!" He held his arm out to her.
"What do you want, Barusu! We're dead!" She yelled at him, the tears streaming down her cheeks had frozen onto her skin.
"Sister! We'll do it... together!" Rem grabbed onto her sister. Rem could feel there wasn't much time left.
Rem pulled her into them. Subaru and Rem were hugging each other, with Ram caught between them.
This was it... None of them could move now.
Subaru could feel his vision begin to fade as he was frozen in place.
/ Maybe... If I can bring Rem, then maybe I can bring Ram. They are twins after all. /
"Su...ba...ru" Rem whispered. "I love you."
Subaru blinked.
Rem was lying on top of him, wearing nothing but his tracksuit top.