I do not own Re:Zero or any of the characters.
Awake
Ian smiled as Rem and Ram, the twin maids that worked at the house where Ian was allowed to live, stepped out of the house to see what was going on. Ian stepped out of the carriage first, helping Emilia get Subaru onto her back. Rem, the "younger" of the two with blue hair cut short with bangs covering her right eye, where as her sister had red hair styled the same but her left eye covered, sprinted over to meet them, throwing her arms around Ian.
"You're back!" Rem smiled, only to recoil, covering her nose and squinting like she'd almost face-planted in a pile of particularly strong-smelling manure. "You reek!"
"Sorry," Ian smiled apologetically. "I had to use it."
Emilia hurried inside with Subaru, Ram running to a door and shouting for Beatrice before opening it, revealing a library. Inside sat a young girl with blonde hair in a pair of spiraling pigtails, the hair pink on the ends, and wore a red dress and half-cape over her shoulders, striped pink and white stockings, and pink shoes. She had blue eyes with pink, butterfly-wing-shaped pupils.
"Did you fight someone?" Rem asked accusingly.
"Only because she was going to kill Emilia otherwise," Ian said. "And the idiot we brought with us."
"Who is he?" Rem asked.
"I think he might be from the same place as me," Ian said.
"Oh," Rem nodded, then turned back to him, hands on her hips. "So, who was it? Who did you fight this time?"
"The Bowel Hunter," Ian said. "Elsa Granhiert."
Rem narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips in an adorable, disapproving-but-conceding sort of way. "Well, she sounds like she might be dangerous enough to warrant its use."
"Even with it, if Reinhard van Astrea hadn't stepped in, I'd had been killed," Ian said. At best I was only able to stall."
Rem sighed, nodding. "Fine. I suppose that's alright, then." She hugged him again. "But you're going to stay outside and air out until you smell better."
Ian laughed, nodding. "That's fair."
Rem nodded and headed back inside to see if the others needed help, and Ian headed to the back where he could sit down while the smell using his ability caused faded.
Ian glanced over at Subaru as he stirred. He'd woken up once already and had gone wandering, only to find Beatrice's library, by pure coincidence. However, she'd drained his mana to knock him out, then called Ian to carry him back to his room. Of course, finding Beatrice's room, coincidence or otherwise, was impressive, considering that it was a sort of pocket dimension that linked itself to a single door in the mansion completely at random, and that then switched doors every time it closed.
And then, there was Subaru's behavior when he found her. According to Beatrice, he'd called her a BBC, which Ian had double-checked against NPC. Beatrice didn't remember which it had been, only something strange and ending in "C". Ian assumed it was NPC, given his theory about Subaru and what the two acronyms meant. She also said Subaru had called her a loli. And then, he had apparently said something about a "game master" and "cutting scenes", so Ian was completely sure he was correct about Subaru. He was also sure that it would be very useful to speak privately to Subaru about their similar situation. He wasn't sure the exact nature of Subaru's curse, because he was sure that's what it was, but he would be able to figure it out.
"I know this ceiling," Subaru muttered.
"Oh, he's awakened, sister," Rem said from off to Ian's right, where she stood with Ram.
"Indeed, he's awakened Rem," Ram agreed.
"Hard to believe a total night owl like me can wake up so early," Subaru said, ignoring their voices. "I'm getting all emotional. I should probably go to sleep a second time. No, wait a minute, I woke up earlier, so that would make this the third."
"My, what a deadbeat thing to say," Rem said. "Did you hear that, Sister?"
"Truly the words of a loser," Ram agreed. "I heard him Rem."
Ian snorted in amusement.
"Hey!" Subaru shouted, sitting bolt upright. "Who are these two voices that keep criticizing me in stereo!?" He turned to Rem and Ram only to stop, staring at them in surprise. "No way! Short-skirted maid costumes exist in this world, too!?" He gaped at them for a moment before making a fist and grinning, eyes directed toward the ceiling. "This is gonna be awesome!"
"What terrible thoughts this one is having," Rem said, both sisters turning toward each other and lacing their fingers by their shoulders. "You are being repeatedly violated in the mind of our guest, Sister."
"Truly terrible, indeed," Ram agreed. "You are experiencing the ultimate shae over and over in the mind of our guest, Rem."
"Don't underestimate the capacity of my mind," Subaru said, holding his hands up and moving his fingers in a wave like a man deciding which platter of a feast to devour first. "You're both fair prey in my fantasies little maids!"
Ian flicked his sword, his scabbard bouncing off Subaru's head and spinning to Rem, who caught it and tossed it back to Ian. "Cool it, perv. This isn't a hentai game."
Subaru's eyes widened and he stared at Ian. "You..."
"What is a hentai game?" Rem asked.
"Yes, what is a hentai game?" Ram repeated.
"A hentai game is-" Subaru began, only for Ian's scabbard to bounce off the side of his head again, repeating the same path as before. "Ow! Cut that out, will ya!?"
"Never you mind about hentai games," Ian said. "And you, Subaru, lay off of the creepiness before I go get Beatrice."
"Who?" Subaru asked.
"Calls herself Betty," Ian said.
Subaru paled, voice shooting up an octave. "I'm sorry!"
"You and I need to talk later," Ian said.
Subaru nodded just as someone knocked on the door, Emilia walking in wearing a short, pink night dress, white stockings, and white shoes.
"Seems like you can't even wake up without causing a commotion, huh Subaru?" Emilia said.
"Whoever picked that outfit definitely gets it!" Subaru shouted, eyes wide in impure awe.
"I'm not even going to pretend to know what you're talking about, but the fact that I know it's stupid is disappointing," Emilia said evenly, her kind smile not wavering.
Ian snorted in amusement. "Good morning Lady Emilia."
"Good morning Ian," Emilia smiled back.
Subaru scowled.
"Listen to this, Miss Emilia," Rem said, pointing at Subaru. "Without provocation, my dear sister was just violated by that man."
"Please listen to this, Miss Emilia," Ram said, also pointing at Subaru. "Rem was just held prisoner in shame by that man."
"That's enough you two, don't tease him so much," Emilia said, walking over to the bed.
"Of course, Miss Emilia, my sister's very sorry," Rem said.
"Yes, of course, Miss Emilia, Rem's very sorry as well," Ram said.
"Tell me, are you feeling alright today?" Emilia asked. "Does anything feel off to you?"
"Huh?" Subaru asked. "Nah. Just a bit groggy from over sleeping. So, you were the one who saved me, isn't that right, Mili?"
"Huh?" Emilia asked. "Mili? Why would you call me that?"
"It's a nickname," Ian said. "He doesn't mean offense. It's like how I sometimes call you Emi."
"Yeah, what he said," Subaru said, then bowed. "But seriously, thank you, you saved me."
"Not at all," Emilia said. "Honestly, I'm the one that should be thanking you. You barely even know me, but you still risked your life in order to protect mine. It's only natural I'd heal your wounds after something like that."
"Well, then once again, I guess it's time to go out and start a brand new day!" Subaru said, stretching.
"Oh, I almost forgot," Emilia said, turning to Ian. "Beatrice said she'd like to speak with you. She said you could find her on the third floor, third door on the left."
"Thanks," Ian said, pushing off the wall. "I'll be back for our chat in a little while, Subaru."
Subaru nodded and Ian left, heading to The door Emilia had directed him to. Beatrice looked up from her book as he walked in.
"Was I correct in my assumption that he is in the same situation as you?" Beatrice asked.
"Yeah," Ian nodded. "I'll get as many specifics as I safely can later, and warn Rem and Ram that if he smells like that it's for a similar reason to my own."
Beatrice nodded. "How are things going with them?"
Ian grimaced and shrugged. "I doubt I'll be seeing much progress soon."
Beatrice nodded. "Be patient, I suppose."
"I will," Ian said. "Thanks again for all your help, both saving Subaru, saving me, and your advice when I need it."
"You're welcome," Beatrice said. "You're one of the least annoying people to ever come into Betty's library, I suppose."
Ian paused at the door, glancing back at her. "By the way. Did you happen to look into that think I asked you about?"
"I did, I suppose," Beatrice said. "It's not what you were thinking. At least, not yet, I suppose. You will have to work hard to keep it from becoming what you thought, though."
Ian nodded. "Thanks."
He left the library and began to wander the seemingly endless hallway, trying to figure out where he'd come out and which way the stairs were. By the time he found the stair, he found Rem walking up them.
"Found you," Rem said. "Lord Roswaal has returned home. Ram went to inform Miss Emilia and the strange boy."
"Subaru," Ian smiled. "Alright. Would you like some help with dinner?"
Rem shook her head. "Thank you for the offer, but I can manage. Besides, you said you wanted to have a talk with Subaru."
"Yeah, about that," Ian said. "I think there's a chance that he might be like me. That's what I wanted to talk to him about. "His clothes are like what people in my homeland wore, and some of the thinks he says were common phrases there, too. Of course, some of the things that come out of his mouth are pure stupidity, but there is a bit mixed in that I recognize."
"So, he may smell like her at some point?" Rem asked.
"I'd be surprised if he doesn't," Ian said. "But if he does, that doesn't mean he's bad. Just let me know if he does and I'll talk to him."
Rem nodded and they headed down to the foyer together, finding the other three, including Puck, Emilia's contracted spirit who looked like a tiny grey cat. They headed into the dining room together, Rem and Ram both heading to the kitchen, and found Beatrice by the door.
"I was watching you outside from upstairs, and you know what?" Beatrice said, giving Subaru an unimpressed look. "It would appear that you are quite the imbecile I suppose."
"And just where do you get off saying that, you loli!?" Subaru demanded.
"What does that word mean?" Beatrice asked. "I've never even heard it before and it irritates me!"
"It should," Ian said. "Subaru, stop irritating Beatrice."
"Betty!" Puck greeted her as Emilia stepped into the room, Puck on her shoulder. "Haven't seen you in four days. Hope you've been doin' well and staying lady-like."
"HELLO, BUBBY!" Beatrice squealed happily, running over and cupping her hands. "I've been waiting so eagerly for you to come home! Will you stay with me today, do you suppose?"
"Yeah, sure, no problem," Puck smiled, hopping into her hands. "Today's the day we can finally relax together."
"Aw!" Beatrice gushed, running off with him. "This'll be great!"
Ian smiled, shaking his head. "Poor Puck."
"Feeling bewildered, aren't you?" Emilia asked Subaru. "Beatrice is so taken with Puck she can't get enough."
"I can't believe you just said bewildered unironically," Subaru said.
"My, my," a high, flamboyant voice said as Roswaal, lord of the house, stepped into the room, dressed as a jester in black, blue, and red today. "How unuuusual to see you here Beatrice." His voice wavered annoyingly as he spoke. "I'm so happy you're dining with me. I do so love your company and treasure our times together."
"That boy is more than enough addle-brained fool for me, I suppose," Beatrice shot at him, then turned back to rubbing her cheek on Puck's head, voice going high and adoring. "Betty is only waiting around for Bubby!"
"Wow, so you guys hired a clown to entertain you before each meal?" Subaru asked, patting Roswaal on the back repeatedly. "I'll never understand how you rich folks think."
"You're an idiot, Subaru," Ian said. "Though I can sympathize with not understanding how he thinks."
"U-Um," Emilia stammered. "Subaru, that man is actually-"
"Oh, no, it's quite alright, Miss Emilia," Roswaal said. "I'll handle the introductions."
"What's going on?" Subaru asked.
"I am, in fact, the lord of this manor," Roswaal said, "Roswaal L. Mathers. So very pleased to make your acquaintance." He turned to Subaru. "Subaru Natsuki, right?"
Subaru stared at him in terror, nodding but unable to speak, and Roswaal turned to Ian, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Good to see you again, Ian," Roswaal said, voice as pleasant as before, but with a slight edge now.
"Roswaal," Ian said, his tone matching Roswaal's. "Always a pleasure."
Roswaal's smirk grew, but he turned back to the front, all of them finding a seat at the table, except for Rem and Ram, who served the food, then stood behind Roswaal to either side, awaiting instructions. During dinner, Rem explained, slightly, that she was better as a maid than her sister, prompting Subaru to ask if Ram even had a purpose, for which Ian smacked him over the head with his sheathed sword. After that, Roswaal explained that the country they were in, Lagoonica had no king, currently, and that in the election currently taking place, Emilia was a candidate.
Subaru almost instantly understood that that made him suspect of being a spy. He was also surprised and, understandably, a bit appalled that the insignia stolen from Emilia was one that qualified her to be the next ruler of the kingdom, or at least, a candidate for it.
As a reward for helping retrieve it, Subaru was offered any reward he wanted. After a dramatic pause, during which Ian was prepared to beat Subaru for being a pervert, Subaru demanded that he be hired as a worker. Everyone stared at him in exasperation at his stupidity, the silence only broken by Ram sneezing.
Once dinner was finished, Subaru was given a uniform, though Rem had to tailor it to fit him, and during which time Ram started calling him Barusu and Rem called him short and said he had scary eyes. Then, Subaru was shown around. Once the tour was done, and he had found Beatrice once by accident, then immediately afterward just to show he could, he was put to work helping Ram. Finally, near sunset, he was finished and met Subaru outside for the conversation they needed to have.
"So...you were also summoned to this place like I was, right?" Subaru asked.
"Before we begin, I should warn you not to tell anyone about your curse," Ian said.
"My curse?" Subaru asked.
"That's the closest thing I can think of to describe our situation," Ian said. "If you try to tell anyone specifics about it, you'll suddenly be paralyzed and unable to see, except for a hand made of shadow crushing your heart. It'll be unbearably painful, and then you'll reek like the Witch of Envy, Satella."
"Wait, seriously?" Subaru asked. "That's so messed up! What do you mean smell like her? Will I smell like perfume? Or rotting skin?"
"It's not a literal smell that you or I could detect," Ian said. "You'd smell like her magic, but only certain beings would be able to detect it. I only warn you about the smell because Rem and Ram can both smell it, and if you smell like that, they'll suspect you of being associated with it. Trust me, that's not a path you'd like to go down. They're both quite terrifying when they want to be."
"What will they do?" Subaru asked.
"Kill you," Ian said. "Painfully. Using whatever your ability is will also make you smell like her, though less potently."
"So, wait, I'm assuming you have the same ability I do, and I'm assuming you used it to fight that assassin," Subaru said. "Doesn't that mean you smell like her already?"
"I'm not sure if my ability is the same as yours, or if it's something else, but yes, when we got back I did smell like her," Ian said. "The smell fades with time, like any smell. However, I found a way to explain my ability without saying exactly what it is. I call mine Preceding Memory. Memories of things that haven't happened yet."
Subaru opened his mouth to speak, but Ian held up a hand.
"You seem to think of this world as a video game, right?" Ian asked, Subaru nodding. "I'm going to guess that your power is respawning."
"Yeah!" Subaru nodded. "Exactly that! So, is that what your is?"
"No," Ian said. "This world, to me, is like an anime. In the anime, there's a character who has the ability to project his soul into his own future for brief periods in order to gain those memories, then returns to the present while keeping the knowledge of what transpired."
Subaru nodded. "Preceding Memory. Sounds useful."
"Less so than yours," Ian said. "If someone attacks me in the present without me remembering it ahead of time, they can easily kill me."
"I see," Subaru nodded. "That does sound like a decent weakness to keep it from being too OP. So, who taught you to wield a sword? You're amazing!"
"Necessity taught me," Ian said. "I'm not really that good. But thanks to my ability, I can know what my opponent will do ahead of time and react accordingly. In the fight against the assassin, I remembered being killed by every single strike she threw, some of the strikes killed me several times. But I survived because I memorized what she would do and when, then countered it."
"Wish I could do that," Subaru said.
"You can, and you will," Ian said. "I'll teach you, once you earn everyone's trust. And don't worry about a respawn limit. I'm sure there isn't one. Not while the witch lives."
"How would I know?" Subaru asked.
"Close your eyes," Ian instructed, Subaru complying. "Remember the feeling of using it. Not the pain of dying, and not the feeling of waking up, but the void in between. Focus on that."
Subaru frowned for a moment before his eyebrows rose. "I feel something. It's...cold, kind of."
"Centered around your heart, right?" Ian asked.
"Yeah," Subaru nodded.
"So long as you can feel that, you'll be able to use it," Ian said.
"Sweet!" Subaru said, then stopped. "Wait, when you say you're going to teach me to use my respawns to memorize a fight, you don't mean you're going to kill me, do you?"
"That's right," Ian nodded. "Over and over until I remember you killing me instead. For obvious reasons, we'll be stopping before the fight if I remember you killing me."
Subaru nodded. "So...what part of Japan are you from?"
"I'm not," Ian said. "I'm from America."
"You speak Japanese?" Subaru asked.
"No, I speak English," Ian said. "You speak Japanese, and the people hear speak their native language. Our curses, at least I assume it's them, allow us to hear our native language and allow them to hear theirs. Of course, as you may have noticed, that doesn't extend to the written language."
"Yeah, I did," Subaru said. "I don't suppose you learned it."
"Yes," Ian said. "They'll probably have Ram teach you, like she taught me." He glanced at Subaru. "If you respawn for any reason, tell me about it. You'll also have to remind me about this conversation in short, and what exactly your power is. And as a tip from someone who has a similar ability, whenever you respawn, try your best to act exactly the same way as you did before, down to your facial expressions. I know it's not easy, and it's asking a lot, but it'll make you seem less weird, and you'll be able to focus on what happened and prepare to stop it from happening again."
Subaru nodded. "Thanks."
"Now go to bed," Ian said. "You're going to need plenty of sleep before your wake-up call in the morning."
Subaru nodded. "Hey, why are you allowed to stay here without needing to work as a butler?"
"When I first met Rem and Ram, they were being attacked by Maw Beasts, monsters created by a witch," Ian said. "I tried to help them fight and didn't know how to use my power at the time, so I nearly died. Rem and Ram nursed me back to health, and as thanks for helping, I asked to be allowed to live here until I got my feet under me and figured out where I was going to go.
"During that time, I learned to use my power, and accidentally incurred Rem and Ram's wrath but remembered it before hand, so I explained about my power as best I could and calmed them, Ram taught me to read, Rem taught me to fight, and then I asked to be allowed to stay as a sort of security for the manor and Emilia. And I've been here ever since."
"I see," Subaru nodded. "Should I explain about my power to them?"
"Not unless they're trying to kill you," Ian said.
Subaru nodded. "I'm going to go to bed."
Ian nodded and Subaru headed inside. Ian stared up at the sky for a few moments, memories of meeting the twins playing through his head, then blew out a long breath. Subaru was going to be a handful. He sighed and headed inside, finding Rem and Ram finishing sweeping out a huge washroom. He grabbed a spare broom and dustpan from a nearby closet and began to sweep up the various piles they'd made.
"I wish you'd stop that," Rem said. "This is our job."
"And I want to make it easier for both of you," Ian smiled.
"It's not going to change my mind," Ram said.
"I know," Ian shrugged. "But it's still the right thing to do."
Both sisters turned back to their work, allowing him to clean up the rest of the piles for him. Once they were done, the three of them headed to the kitchen where Ian made them hot chocolate, something both of them loved. Once they'd all finished, they both gave Ian a hug good night before the three of them headed to bed.
Leave a review.