I do not own Re:Zero or any of the characters.
Memory
Ian swallowed hard as he looked around at the massive dogs around him, looking about like he would expect a Hell Hound to look like, except for the brown fur on their sides and stomachs. He glanced at the broken branch in his hand. One stick in the hands of someone who'd never been in a fight in their life against dozens of Hell Hounds. Like Hell that was happening. He hurled the stick, managing to hit one of thw Hell Hounds in the eye before fleeing as fast as he could. The barks, snarls, and occasional yips behind him told him, in no uncertain terms, how pointless it was to run away, but that didn't stop him. After barely five minutes, however, he found a path in the trees just in time to crash into two girls wearing maid outfits who were identical, except for their hair and eye color. All three crashed to the ground, and Ian groaned rolling off of the one he'd landed on top of, who had blue hair, where her sister had red.
"You have to run!" Ian said. "Now!"
"Why?" the red-haired twin asked.
A moment later, the Hell Hounds burst out of the trees, surrounding the three of them.
"Too late!" Ian squeaked, swallowing hard. He may not know them, and he may or may not be seconds away from wetting his pants out of fear, but he couldn't exactly let two highly attractive girls be ripped apart because he'd had the bad luck to literally run into them. "Both of you try and run. I'll keep keep them distracted as long as I can."
"You say that easily, but you're shaking," the red-haired twin said.
"We have no reason to run away," the blue-haired twin said, suddenly holding an enormous flail, which Ian doubted he'd be able to lift, and which he had no idea where she'd had hidden before. "This few Wolgarm should be no problem, should they, Sister?"
"No problem at all, Rem," her twin said, raising a hand. "Fura."
A dozen arcs of something flat and transparent exploded from her hand, slicing through several of the Hell Hounds, the remaining of which charged, only for the other girl to swing the flail around, slaughtering half of them. The red-haired twin turned, swiping another hand and killing the last few with a second blast. Ian gaped at them.
"Wha...how did you...do that?" Ian asked. "Who are you?"
"This is my sister, Ram," the blue-haired twin said. "She excels at Wind magic."
"And this is my sister, Rem," Ram said. "She is very good with a flail."
"Noted," Ian said. "I'm about to sound really stupid, but where are we?"
"This person is right," Rem said. "He sounds very stupid."
"You're right, Rem," Ram said. "Definitely an idiot."
"That's harsh," Ian said.
Just then, a Hell Hound leapt out of the trees behind Ram, too close for Rem to kill it with her flail, or so he assumed, and too close for Ram to react in time, again, he assumed. He stepped forward and moved to shove her aside, seeing her move to defend herself from him, except that the Hell Hound wasn't there. However, as his body completed it's last command to get her out of harm's way, the monster burst out of the trees for a second time, this time tackling a very confused and panicked Ian to the ground, its teeth sinking deep into his face.
Ian screamed in agony, one tooth ripping at his eye and another stabbing into his ear. He felt more teeth bite into his right leg and left arm as claws ripped at his chest. And then, it was over. A cooling sensation began to slowly seep into his torso. He couldn't breath. He opened the eye that hadn't been punctured and blood from the injuries to his face ran into it, blinding him, but not before he saw Rem kneeling over him, a blue light shining around her hands.
He squeezed his eye closed, struggling to ignore the burning in it from the blood, or the stabbing, pulsating agony in the other, as well as the rest of his wounds. Finally, the pain faded. He opened his eyes again and stared up at a blue ceiling decorated by brown squares with a thinner square inside of each and the corners a solid brown to connect them. He frowned, closing his right eye and realized his damaged one was healed. Either he'd been in a coma for years, or the blue light had been healing magic. Except, his body still hurt horribly.
"You're awake," Ram said from his left. "Don't try to move, you're not fully healed yet."
"Where are we?" Ian croaked.
"In the home Rem and I serve," Ram said. "We brought you here to rest and finish healing."
"Are you two okay?" Ian asked.
"What a stupid thing to ask," Rem said as she walked into the room. "You were the only one hurt. How did you know the Wolgarm was going to jump out?"
"I don't know," Ian said. "I just saw it attack and reacted, but then-"
His voice failed suddenly, his entire body going completely rigid. His eyes widened as he realized he was suddenly in a pitch-black void, and the darkness was spiraling in front of him. He tried to call out to the twins, but he couldn't make a sound, couldn't even breathe. A hand reached out of it, sinking into his chest before closing around his heart. Then, it squeezed.
He tried to scream, but it came out strangled and hoarse. He arched off the bed, suddenly back in the room, and clutched at his chest, eyes nearly popping out of his head. The twins both jumped at his sudden reaction, Rem in particular recoiling like she'd been slapped, narrowing her eyes. Finally, the pain began to settle and he dropped back to the bed, gasping and panting for breath.
"What happened?" Ram asked urgently.
Ian simply shook his head, struggling to slow his breathing.
"You reopened some of your wounds," Rem said, walking over to him and beginning to heal him again. "I have many questions for you, so I'll heal you so that you don't bleed out. Plus we just washed that sheet."
Ian grimaced as he dragged the rake through the leaves. He'd been at the manor for about three days and was still in pain. His wounds were healed, but the pain of most of them remained. As a sort of thanks for protecting Ram, albeit unnecessarily, he was being allowed to stay at the manor for a month while he learned to read and write and figured out what to do with his life. However, as repayment for healing him, he had to spend it working as extra help cleaning and cooking.
It wasn't the worst trade off. Truth be told, he was glad. For the first time in his eighteen years living, he was getting to spend extended periods of time with two very attractive girls, even if they both seemed to rather dislike him. He had a small amount of hope that he'd be able to change that, but for the time being, he would be lucky to be able to even make them smile.
"It's time to prepare dinner," Ram said, walking over to him and holding out a knife. "You're to cut up the meat today."
Ian nodded, accepting the knife. "I'll go and put the rake back first."
Ram nodded, turning and walking back into the manor. Ian sighed, turning and walking toward the door, only to stop as a hand landed on his shoulder.
"Excuse me," a high voice said, Ian turning and staring up at the painted face of a man that towered over him and was wearing a nice suit. "You must be Ian, the new helper. I'm Roswaal L. Mather, lord of this manor."
"It's an honor to meet you sir," Ian said, bowing slightly.
"I have a question, if you don't mind," Roswaal said.
"Not at all," Ian said.
"What are those doing here?" Roswaal asked.
Ian turned to look where Roswaal was pointing and saw a massive group of Hell Hounds, or Wolgarm, or whatever they were called. His jaw dropped before he swallowed hard. He glanced down at the Rake and knife in his hands as the Wolgarm snarled, beginning to stalk forward.
"I'm not much of a fighter," Roswaal said. "As a member of my staff, it's your duty to protect me."
Ian nodded stiffly before walking forward. "I'm not much of a fighter. Actually, I've never been in a fight in my life, so you should definitely go inside and lock the door. Rem and Ram can protect you better."
"Oh, I have faith in you," Roswaal said. "And I'm sure they'll be out in a minute."
Ian nodded and broke into a run as the Wolgarm charged. If he was going to die to buy time, he needed to be as far as he could from Roswaal. As the first Wolgarm reached him, he swung the rake for all he was worth, but he was too late. It bit into his throat, blood spraying out of his carotid arteries. And then, he was still charging, a second or two before he was bitten. He stepped to the side, the dog's jaws missing him, then slashed the side of its neck, getting showered in blood. Then, another dog tackled him from behind, biting into the back of his head. And then, he wasn't hurt. He spun, swinging the rake around and drove the rake's teeth into its neck, yanking and pulling it to the ground. He stepped forward to yank it out and claws raked across his back. And then he was just barely driving the rake into the dog's neck. He all but leapt forward, yanking the rake free before the dog hit the ground and slashed another dog as he passed it. A pair of them grabbed his legs, from behind, yanking him to the ground. And then he was just slashing the dog. He spun, leaping over the dog's bites, then drove the knife down into one's head. There was a loud "PING!" and his hand jerked sideways, the knife no longer having a blade. He swore loudly and kicked the other dog away before swinging the rake down into its head. As he did, the rake snapped off about a foot from the dog.
"Oh for fuck's sake!" Ian snapped.
A dog slammed into him, its claws ripping out his throat. Then, he was was just charging toward the first dog. His jaw dropped and in his shock, his foot swung out too far, skidding across the ground and dropping him into a split before a dog slammed into him. There was a loud "PING!" as the knife broke in his hand and he blinked hard before the dog he failed to kick snapped, catching him between the legs. The rake snapped off and Ian shouted in frustration, spinning toward the oncoming dog, stabbing with the broken rake. It impaled the dog through the chest, but a piece broke off, burying even more of the shaft into it as the first broken piece tore a gash in the back of his hand.
"Ah!" Ian shouted, staggering away from the dog. "Give me a fucking break! What the Hell is going on!?"
A dog leapt at him, jaws open wide, and suddenly the knife was breaking again. He kicked the other dog, swinging the rake. It broke. He turned, stabbing the other dog and released the rake. The second piece fell and he caught it, then spun, stepping out of the next dog's way and drove the broken end of the last bit of rake, now sticking out of the bottom of his fist, into the side of its neck. Then, a blast of wind raced past him, slicing through three dogs as they charged at him.
"Well done, Ian," Roswaal said, stepping up beside him as Rem and Ram tore into the Wolgarm, more spilling out of the trees. "They'll appreciate some help. Here. You'll need this."
He held out a beautiful silver rapier, and Ian accepted it without even bothering to question it. Except, as soon as he was holding it, he felt calm, well-rested, and there was a feeling, a cold pressure that radiated power, deep in his chest. He stared at the sword.
"That sword is very special," Roswaal said. "It stabilizes powers that are otherwise troublesome to control. In doing so, it allows its wielder to learn to harness and control their power. Think of it like a training sword." He leaned down beside Ian's ear, dropping his voice to a whisper. "Now, go and help the girls I know you find so attractive."
Ian cleared his throat uncomfortably, blushing, then shouted in agony as a dog reached him, tearing into his throat. Except, he was still there. He didn't understand. Why? Why wasn't he going back like he had before? Did he use it up? He didn't want to. He didn't want to die. He wasn't ready. He didn't want to die. He wanted to go back. And suddenly, he had.
"-go help the girls I know you find so attractive."
He spun instantly, seeing the dog coming, and charged, stepping out of the way and slashing with both arms, having to hold his left hand over his right to do it. The sword sliced through the dog easily, and it crashed to the ground in front of Roswaal.
"Very nicely done," Roswaal said. "However, that sword is meant to be used with only one hand. That's why the hilt is so small."
Ian nodded, running forward to help Rem and Ram with the horde of Wolgarm. Two of them charged at him and he stepped out of the way, slashing at one, only for his wrist to twist and the sword to catch on a rip, his arm being yanked backward, allowing the second to tackle him, biting into his shoulder. Ian shouted in pain, feeling the cold in his chest well. He focused, picturing the moment before he slashed. And then he was there. He locked his right forearm and wrist and slashed harder, splitting the Wolgarm's side wide open before ducking as the other leapt over him, his slash bringing the sword around and removing its left legs. He turned, stabbing it and a Wolgarm slammed into his back. He instantly pictured the moment he slashed the first, but when he tried to focus, the dog bit into his shoulder, causing his focus to slip. A second later, he was moving toward them. His brain failed to recall which foot had been going forward and he crashed to the ground, his left ankle snapping. He shouted in pain and the two dogs tore into him. He focused, and a moment later, he was charging again, using the correct foot this time. He slashed the first dog, but this time angled his slash so that he split the second dog's underside. The next dog approached and he stepped out of the way, slashing it down the front. He looked around, seeing the last two dogs charging Rem from behind.
He ran forward, but just as he slashed, a warmth spiked inside of him, and his entire body erupted into agony. Blood sprayed into the air, but something felt off. The pain was there and unbearable, but somehow not. It was muted and yet all-consuming. His vision was sharp and clear, yet blurred and far away. He was panicking, and yet he was calm. It was surreal. He felt himself laying on the ground, and yet floating. He let his head roll to the side slightly, seeing the two Wolgarm were shredded. He forced himself to look down and saw that so was his flesh. There were dozens of gashes over his torso, arms, and legs. He could feel more on his back. He supposed Ram must have hit him with her magic.
He looked back up and stopped as he saw the twins kneeling over him. Both of them were coated in blood, but he didn't think they were hurt. As he watched, Ram was using bits of her apron to try to stop his bleeding as Rem's hands glowed. Another Wolgarm that Ian hadn't noticed before charged at them but Roswaal waved a hand, saying something, and the Wolgarm erupted into flames. Ian closed his eyes. He could go back. He just had to focus. He focused. His body erupted into agony as he was hit by Rem's magic again. He forced it out of his mind, struggling to focus. Picturing charging at the dogs. His body erupted into agony again. He crashed to the ground, staring at the sky for a moment before looking to the shredded Wolgarm. He looked up at Rem and Ram, staring at them. They were both working to save his life with a silent, intense focus. Even Ram. There wasn't a hint of guilt on her face. Roswaal burned the last Wolgarm again. Ian began to try to go back again, but he stopped. He couldn't, he realized. He could only go back as far as being hit by Ram. Instead, he closed his eyes, focusing his mind on the numbness. However, almost as soon as he began to drift off into bliss, pain seared through his body from his leg, drawing him back. He tried to open his eyes, but he was so tired suddenly. He struggled to open his eyes, grasping for anything he could to get there. Finally, he found a voice.
"-n't go to sleep," the voice was saying, Ian recognizing it as one of the twins, though he couldn't tell which yet. "Stay awake. If you go to sleep now, you'll die."
He forced his eyes open and stared at the two, his vision dark but slowly lightening.
"That's good," Ram was saying. "Stay awake. Keep your eyes open."
"Keep your eyes on us," Rem said. "Stay alive."
Ian managed a weak nod, staring at them both as they worked. The twins who had saved him while insulting him. The twins who could have fought alone. The angels trying to save his life.
Ian groaned as he stirred, eyes crawling open slowly to find Beatrice seated beside him, asleep in her chair, and Rem lying in the bed with him, curled into his side. He stared at her in silence for a long few moments before looking down at his body. It had been a long time since he'd dreamed about meeting them, and about his magic going out of control by accident the first time. It had been a long time since he'd stopped having that nightmare. He sighed silently. Figures that blowing himself up with his magic again would cause it.
He reached down, gently kissing Rem's forehead. She stirred and looked up at him before beginning to sob, hugging him tightly. He smiled, wrapping his arms around her, and tucked his face into her hair, realizing that even his broken bones were healed.
"How long was I out?" Ian asked.
"About two days, I suppose," Beatrice said, having stirred. "Long enough that we were able to heal you fully, between myself, Rem, and Miss Emilia."
Ian nodded.
"You were having a nightmare," Rem said, wiping her eyes.
"I was remembering the day I got my sword," Ian said.
Rem nodded. "I thought you might be."
"How are you and Ram?" Ian asked.
"We're both fine," Rem said. "You giving her mana during it spared her any exhaustion or injuries. And my wounds were healed before we got back to the manor. You and Subaru were the only ones wounded."
"How is he?" Ian asked.
"His curses are all useless, now, I suppose," Beatrice said. "Roswaal destroyed every last Wolgarm in the forest. There's no chance his curses will ever activate. And his physical wounds are all healed as well, I suppose."
"Ian," Rem said, voice trembling. "I'm so sorry! It was all my fault!"
"No, it wasn't," Ian said. "Bad things happen, and sometimes, there's nothing we can do to stop them. Sometimes, the bad things that happen are the best option. I don't blame you for hitting me with your chain, because it was my fault for not thinking about that possibility. And I don't blame you for anything that happened when we came after you because you only went to try and save Subaru and make up for hurting me."
"And then I tried to hurt you again!" Rem sobbed.
"Yes you did," Ian nodded. "And you failed. And either way it wouldn't matter. I love you, Rem, and nothing will ever change that."
Rem curled into his chest. "No. You can't just forgive me like that. It's not fair! Nothing's changed! I'm still hurting the people I love most! I tried to kill you, I forced you to come save me even though you were still wounded from my attack. I haven't changed at all. Not since I caused my sister to lose her horn!"
Ian glanced at Beatrice, who nodded and walked over to the door, opening it and walking into her library. Once the door was closed, Ian dropped his eyes to Rem again. "Tell me."
Rem curled into him tighter before nodding, seeming mostly under control, though still sounding broken. "As children...right from birth...my sister was a prodigy, strong enough to be called the Second Coming of the Demon God. She was incredible. But I was only average, at best. She was better at fighting, and magic, and almost everything she did. So, I tried to be better at cooking. Except, when I went to gather nuts in the forest, there was a storm and I was almost crushed by a burning tree. My sister saved me, but when we got back, my parents were relieved I was safe. They were glad we both were safe. And they didn't want me to go into the forest alone again because they didn't want me to worry my sister. Then, one night...the Witch's Cult attacked our village and killed everyone. My sister tried to fight them, but one of the members cut off her horn. And, when it happened...I was happy. I was so happy, because it meant that I wouldn't be inferior to her anymore. I could...I could be the sister everyone was proud of for once. I had wished that I could be better than my sister, and because of it, my sister lost her horn."
"None of that is your fault," Ian said, cupping her chin to make her look up at him. "None of it is. Not wanting to have someone be proud of you and recognize you for you, not wishing you could be better than Ram at something, and certainly not Ram losing her horn. None of it was your fault."
Rem's eyes fell, so Ian pulled her into a tight hug.
"Rem, no matter what you believe, or what you do, or what anyone else ever has, or ever will tell you, you will always be special," Ian said. "You will always be incredible to me, and you will always be irreplaceable. You are everything to me."
Rem smiled and curled into his chest. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Ian smiled. I am a piece of scum. His eyes rose to the door where Ram was watching them. I am scum. I must be. There's no other viable reason that I would be in love with them both.
"You're awake," Ram finally said, Rem wiping her eyes but not moving. "That's good. How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine," Ian said, smiling. "How are you?"
"I'm okay," Ram said. "Your mana served its purpose very well. You have my thanks for it."
"You're welcome," Ian said. "I'm glad you're both alright. I was worried."
"That's because you're an idiot," Ram said.
Ian shrugged. "Any man who doesn't worry about the women in his life is a poor excuse for a man. It's a man's place to worry about women. It's natural. It's practically written into our souls to protect and worry about the women around us."
"Another way to say it is to say that you don't trust women to be able to take care of themselves," Ram said.
"You know that's not true," Ian said. "You two are both far more powerful than I am naturally. I'd only stand a chance with my power, and even that would be questionable. There's no one in the world that I trust more than you two."
Ram watched him for a moment before turning and returning to the door. "Rem, it's time to get to work."
Rem nodded and pushed herself up, giving Ian a smile before leaving. Ian sighed and clambered out of bed, getting cleaned up and changed before leaving the room to find Subaru in order to start Subaru's sword lessons.
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