Intimidating

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Subaru felt uneasy. He… sigh… she was totally lost. Never had she come across something like this in any of her loops. The myriad of experiences, deaths, and rebirths had conditioned her to expect the unexpected, but this? This was beyond anything she could have imagined.

This girl wasn't the female version of herself but a totally different person. Looking into the broken mirror, the reflection staring back at her was alien. The girl's eyes were sharp, almost cold, with a brooding intensity that Subaru had never seen in his own gaze. Her features were delicate yet stern, giving her an aura of quiet strength and determination. She looked almost emotionless but brooding, as if she carried the weight of the world on her slender shoulders.

Subaru couldn't shake the feeling of dissonance. The face, the body, everything was different, yet the mind—the thoughts—were still his. Or hers now, she supposed. It was disconcerting to say the least. The craziest thing was she could think clearly and wasn't panicking. Even in this bizarre situation, her mind remained calm and focused, analyzing the new circumstances with a detached curiosity.

With a heavy sigh, Subaru bent down and pulled her trousers back up. The absence of Sabaru Junior was a stark reminder of the transformation she had undergone. It would be hard to accomplish… some stuff. She couldn't even begin to fathom the implications of this change. Yet, despite the disorientation, she felt an unexpected surge of vitality.

Her body felt different, more agile, more responsive. Each movement was smooth and fluid, as if she had been granted a new level of physical prowess. The sensation was intoxicating. She felt so energetic and athletic, opposite to her usual self. The newfound strength and flexibility were exhilarating, giving her a sense of empowerment that was entirely new.

She took a deep breath, trying to center herself. There was no time to dwell on the transformation.

The bustling noise of the market faded into the background as she focused on her thoughts. Subaru's mind raced with possibilities. How had this happened? Was it another twist in the cruel game of fate that she was trapped in? Or was there some other force at play here? She clenched her fists, feeling the unfamiliar strength in her new form. Whatever it was, she would face it head-on, just as she had faced every other challenge in this strange world.

Minutes felt like hours as she stood there, waiting. Her eyes scanned the crowd, searching for any sign of the blonde thief. She needed to stay composed, to use this new form to her advantage. Subaru wasn't sure how or why, but she felt a deep-seated resolve building within her. She was no longer just Natsuki Subaru, the hapless boy caught in an endless loop of suffering and death. She was someone new, someone with the power to change her fate.

Finally, she spotted a familiar flash of blonde hair weaving through the crowd. Subaru's heart skipped a beat as she recognized Felt's distinct mane, the way it caught the sunlight even in the dingy streets of the marketplace. Felt was approaching, her expression a mix of curiosity and caution, her steps hesitant yet purposeful. Subaru straightened, every muscle in her new body tensing with anticipation. She was ready to confront her.

The blonde girl came dashing through the alley, her movements quick and agile. Her eyes were wide with a mix of curiosity and caution, flicking from side to side as if expecting an ambush. Subaru raised her hand to stop her, her gesture firm and commanding. "Felt," she called out, her voice steady but cold, a stark contrast to the warmth it usually carried. "Your client is a bounty hunter and is going to kill you after she gets the insignia you stole."

Felt froze mid-step, her eyes narrowing suspiciously as she stared at Subaru. "You're lying…" she spat out, her voice tinged with disbelief and defiance.

"No, I am not," Subaru replied, the words carrying an icy certainty that seemed to cut through the air like a knife. Her new voice was eerily calm, devoid of the usual warmth and humor that characterized Natsuki Subaru.

Felt's eyes widened with fear and instinct took over. She tried to leap away, her movements swift and desperate. But Subaru was faster. Moving with inhuman speed, she closed the distance between them in an instant. She effortlessly pinned the blonde girl against the wall, her grip firm and unyielding.

"Listen to me," Subaru said, her voice sharp and commanding. "To that client, you're just a slum dweller and a child who witnessed too much. They want to finish you and anyone associated with you." Her words were delivered with a chilling precision, leaving no room for doubt.

Felt struggled against Subaru's grip, her eyes darting around in fear and confusion. "How do you know so much?" she demanded, her voice a mix of desperation and disbelief. Her breath came in short, panicked bursts, her heart pounding against her ribcage.

"I have a gift…" Subaru replied, her tone still cold and emotionless. The words felt foreign in her mouth, yet strangely appropriate for this new form she inhabited. She realized her talking style had changed. Gone was the cheerful and easygoing demeanor that nobody ever paid much attention to. Instead, she now spoke with a gravitas that was impossible to ignore.

Nobody paid attention to Natsuki Subaru because of his cheerful and easygoing behavior. But this form… it was believable. There was a weight to her words, an authority that demanded to be taken seriously. Felt's struggles lessened as she seemed to realize this, her eyes reflecting a mix of fear and reluctant trust.

The silence between them was thick with tension. Subaru maintained her grip, her eyes locked onto Felt's, silently willing her to understand the gravity of the situation. She could see the gears turning in Felt's mind, the dawning realization that Subaru was not lying, that the danger she spoke of was real.

Felt's defiance slowly ebbed away, replaced by a wary acceptance. "What do we do now?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Subaru released her hold, stepping back but keeping a watchful eye on her. "Take the old giant and get away from here," she said, her voice firm. "But first, we need to return what you stole. It's the only way to keep you safe."

"Hmph… looks like we've got our culprits," a new voice interrupted the tense standoff between Subaru and Felt. Both girls turned sharply to see a striking figure approaching them. A girl with long, flowing silver hair and a calm yet intense expression was walking towards them, a small, cat-like creature floating gracefully beside her. The creature's eyes were sharp and watchful, taking in the scene with a shrewdness that seemed almost human.

Emilia stepped forward, her steps measured and purposeful. Her silver hair shimmered in the dim light of the alley, cascading down her back like a silken waterfall. She wore an outfit that was a blend of white and purple, exuding both regality and practicality. Her expression was a mixture of determination and concern, her violet eyes focused intently on the pair before her.

"Give me back what was stolen from me," Emilia demanded, her voice firm and unwavering. It was not a request, but a command, spoken with the authority of someone who was used to being obeyed.

Felt clutched the insignia tightly to her chest, her eyes darting between Subaru and Emilia. There was a look of fierce defiance in her eyes, a refusal to give up what she had worked so hard to steal. But Subaru's grip on her arm tightened, her expression cold and unyielding.

"Give it, or I will break your hand so badly that you will never be able to steal anything ever again," Subaru threatened, her voice chillingly calm. The threat was delivered with such quiet certainty that it left no room for doubt.

Fear flickered in Felt's eyes as she looked up at Subaru, her resolve wavering. Reluctantly, she loosened her grip on the insignia and handed it over. Subaru took the insignia from Felt's trembling hands and turned to Emilia, extending it towards her.

Emilia's eyes widened slightly in surprise as she accepted the insignia. She had not expected such cooperation from someone who looked so intimidating. Her gaze shifted to Subaru, studying her with a mixture of curiosity and gratitude.

"There is a knight with white robes," Subaru told Felt. "Reinhard. Tell him your age and that you know who His Majesty's younger brother, Ford Lugunica's daughter is. Take the Giant with you lest he should die. The assassin will kill you in the evening. So leave the loot house before that. Reinhard will take care of the rest."

"O-okay…" Felt hesitantly said before she left.

"What's your name?" Emilia asked, her voice softer now, her eyes searching Subaru's face for any sign of deception.

"Suzune… Natsuki," Subaru answered automatically, the name slipping out subconsciously. The words felt strange on her tongue, but they came naturally, as if they had been waiting to be spoken. She was surprised that the name came without her consent but didn't say anything, choosing instead to maintain her composed facade.

Emilia's eyes widened slightly at the odd name. "Satella," she said, her tone steady but with a hint of hesitation. Subaru's eyes narrowed at the obvious falsehood.

"That's a lie," Suzune stated bluntly, her voice devoid of any emotion. "Let's not lie to each other now that we are working together." The words hung in the air, a challenge and a plea wrapped into one.

Emilia hesitated, her eyes flicking to Puck for reassurance. The small creature nodded slightly, its eyes reflecting a deep understanding. Sighing softly, Emilia conceded, "Fine. My name is Emilia."

Suzune nodded in acknowledgment, appreciating the honesty. "Why did you help me?" Emilia asked, still wary of the stoic girl standing before her.

Suzune's gaze softened slightly, the icy exterior melting just a bit. "I want to do one good deed per day," she replied, her voice quieter, almost reflective.

"That's noble."

"Also, I am broke beyond your imagination."

"Oh?"

"So as payment, I want to stay at your place."

Emilia flinched at the request, her natural caution flaring up. She did not want to trust this stranger, this girl with the intense eyes and the cold demeanor. But Puck floated closer, his gentle voice breaking the tension. "She has no malicious intent," the spirit assured Emilia, his eyes warm and reassuring.

Reluctantly, Emilia agreed. "Alright, you can stay with me for now. But don't make me regret this," she warned, her eyes holding a firm resolve.

Suzune nodded, feeling a strange sense of relief wash over her. This new form, this new identity, was confusing and challenging, but she would find a way to make it work. After all, she had faced worse before and come out stronger. This was just another hurdle, another trial to overcome. And with Emilia's reluctant acceptance, she had a foothold in this new reality. The path ahead was uncertain, but Suzune knew one thing for sure—she would face it head-on, just as she always had.

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TBC