-Forest-

"Hey, where do ya think yer goin', smellin' like the witch?"

"No…Not now!"

Up until now, the plan Subaru and Rem laid out had been moving along smoothly. The initial tasks were Subaru helping Emilia get into a calm mindset and Rem talking to Ram about resigning her employment from Roswaal.

While Subaru didn't know how Rem's portion was going, he figured that Rem would come to some sort of reasonable conclusion with Ram. Of course, a full resignation would be optimal. However, he knows how stubborn Ram can be, and Roswaal is one of the most important people to her. So important, that even Rem could struggle with convincing her. Even if Rem couldn't persuade her fully, Subaru muses that the two would come to some sort of agreement.

Regardless of how Rem's situation is developing, that didn't change the fact that Subaru's plans suddenly got derailed with the appearance of Garfiel. Granted, he did think of this possibility occurring, hence why he asked the three Ryuzu clones to keep an eye out for him earlier. Unfortunately, the clones either didn't spot Garfiel or couldn't hinder his movements.

"Hm? Sounds like my amazin' self showin' up was a tad unexpected for ya wasn't it?" Garfiel pounds his fists together, growling.

"Uh…yes. I thought those three would've been able to hold you up for a bit longer."

"It was you who ordered them!" He roars, "I was wonderin' why those three weren't listenin' ta my amazin' self and were tryin' ta hold me back! I ended up havin' to put those poor copies of Granny to sleep cause of ya!"

So they obey the first set of instructions given to them, even if another person capable of ordering them gives conflicting orders. Subaru comes to this conclusion. He didn't want to drive a wedge between them like this, but it was the only thing he could think of. Now it seems that his efforts were fruitless.

"Listen! I didn't mean to cause trouble like that, but with how you are, I had no choice!" Subaru says, tightening his hold on Emilia.

"No choice? No choice, eh?! Listen 'ere brat." Closing the distance in an instant, Garfiel gets up in Subaru's face. Garfiel would have picked him up, had he not been holding Emilia, "I don't know what exactly yer plannin', but my amazin' self is puttin' an end to it right now!"

"What do you plan on doing Garfiel? Just how do you think you're going to save everyone from the Sanctuary?

"Savin'? Just what do ya mean by that? We're all fine 'ere. You and the princess are the ones gettin' 'n our way!

"Huh? Now I don't understand you! Didn't you want everyone to be free from the barrier?"

What is Garfiel talking about? This was a complete behavior change compared to how he acted in previous loops. Unfortunately, there isn't much time to dwell on it for now.

"I don't hafta explain nothin' to ya! Now set the princess down or things are gonna get real ugly."

"I can't do that! Garfiel, I really want to help set you free! Can you please-"

Before Subaru could finish his sentence, Garfiel lunges out and attempts to strike his side with his hand, now turned into a tiger paw. Subaru shifts his body barely enough in time to avoid the strike.

Sensing that now is not the time to get through to Garfiel, Subaru bolts out of the forest and into the open air, running as fast as he can while still holding Emilia tightly against his chest. The tiger boy immediately gives chase.

-Sanctuary Village-

Subaru runs until he reaches the outskirts of the village. Looking behind himself for a moment, he sees that Garfiel has nearly caught up to him.

"You think yer gonna help my amazin' self?! Hah! Big words from a scrawny boy that smells like a cultist an' uses others to save his own skin! Get back 'ere!"

"It's true! I want to help you and the others! So please calm down-ACK!"

Striking the ground, Garfiel sends a tremor that nearly knocks Subaru off his feet. Having forced himself to slow down slightly, Garfiel takes the opportunity to sprint towards him. He about closes the distance when:

"Subaru-kun!"

With a loud cry, Rem appears from seemingly nowhere and gets right in between the two. Unable to stop his momentum, Garfiel collides right into Rem's chest, knocking both himself and her over. Unfortunately, due to Subaru being behind Rem, he likewise goes down with them like a row of bowling pins.

"Hk!" Gritting his teeth, Subaru, still holding Emilia in his arms, turns his body around as quickly as he can. If he didn't, the sleeping half-elf would hit the ground hard and be in for a rude awakening. Performing a 180 degree spin, he puts all of his strength into his right arm to hold Emilia while putting out his left arm to the ground.

Pain seethes through his left arm upon making contact, but does not compromise his position. By only a few inches, Subaru prevented Emilia's head from slamming against the ground.

Garfiel and Rem, having rolled off of Subaru and landing into the grass on either side of him, quickly recover.

"Rem!" Getting his bearings back and readjusting Emilia in his arms, who somehow didn't wake up from the commotion, Subaru calls out her name.

"What is this commotion out here?" Ram approaches the four, giving disdainful stares to the two boys in the group.

"Ram!" Subaru runs over to her, "Can you take Emilia-tan inside?"

"I'm not your errand maid Barusu." She huffs as she crosses her arms, "Why is Garf chasing you around like cat and mouse?"

"This isn't the time to explain! Please!" He pleads as he stretches out his arms.

Ram reaches out and grabs her, adjusting her position to make her as comfortable as possible. Subaru sighs in relief and thanks her.

She responds, "If Emilia-sama were to get harmed here, her popularity and trust among the villagers is certain to plummet. She cannot afford such a blow in her candidacy. Now, get my adorable sister out of this mess you've created. If any harm comes to her, I'll…"

Ram trails off, which comes off as unexpected to him. There's no time to wait around and ask why she did. Not far behind him he can hear Rem and Garfiel arguing.

"Garfiel Tinsel, just what do you think you're doing?" Standing up and brushing herself off, Rem turns towards the tiger boy in question and asks in a low tone.

"Rem?! What the heck are ya doin' here?" Performing the same actions as her a handful of feet away, he is quite shocked by her sudden entrance. "Why did ya block me?"

"Why? What were you thinking?! Attacking an innocent man with a sleeping woman in his arms!"

"Innocent?! Rem, that man is foolin' ya! He may look all nice and cuddly on the surface…actually no. Those eyes of his are creepy! Ya may not know, but he has this noise-curdlin' sme-"

"I know that." Rem cuts him off in such a bone-chilling tone that the proud tiger is left speechless. From his memories back when he was younger, wasn't she more of an aloof yet quiet girl?

"I'm unaware if I've ever told you this or not, but I've been able to detect the witch's stench for as long as I can remember. Just like you, I had similar misgivings for Subaru-kun at first. But now-"

"Shut up! Yer bein' fooled!" Boldly declaring this, Garfiel shifts his sights over to Subaru and runs towards him. However, Rem could sense his intentions a few moments before he took action. Thus, she runs over to Subaru first, grabs him by the waist, and jumps high into the air, putting as much distance between them and Garfiel as possible.

"We have to beat him down until he can be reasoned with!" Subaru says as his head swings back and forth across Rem's back.

She replies, "I know that! He's stronger than he used to be, and I have to keep in mind my own limits!"

"Rem! Let 'im down! This is yer last warning!" Garfiel shouts, trying to close the distance.

Suddenly, Rem stops abruptly, causing him to smack his head against her back. She frowns and mumbles an apology to him before turning to face Garfiel. "Are you willing to talk now?"

"Watcha mean by 'talk'? Put 'im down now!"

"Why do you refuse to liberate the Sanctuary?"

"Eh?"

Hearing Rem's second question, the boy retracts his sharp teeth and merely frowns. "Why does that matter to ya?"

"Because you're afraid Garfiel! You're afraid of leaving the sanctuary, aren't you!?"

"Hah?!"

With that sudden accusation by Subaru thrown right at him with no warning, Garfiel gazes at him with disbelief before narrowing his eyes. "What crap are ya spoutin' now? What does my amazin' self have to be afraid of?"

"Rem, put me down please."

"But Subaru-kun-"

"I want to see his face."

With slight reluctance, she does as she's told. Still, her eyes never waver from Garfiel's own. Meticulously tracking his every move, she prepares for the moment he may strike at them again.

Now that Subaru can properly see Garfiel, he takes a deep breath and says, "You're afraid of leaving the Sanctuary. Well, to put it more accurately, you're afraid of the outside world. Isn't that right?"

For the first time, the two notice the tiger boy tense up. This is a different type compared to the tensing he did when Rem called him out in that low threatening tone. It is like this tightening of his muscles is from a place deeply rooted within his heart.

He clenches his fists, "What…y-ya dare make such accusations against me?! You…a person with the stench of the witch on ya!"

"Why are you presuming I'm some sort of witch cultist? Your nose can't sense the witch miasma. You never have been able to."

"Huh?!"

"I confirmed it with Rem-rin. You have never once been able to track the scent of the witch on anybody. Thus, there is no way you came to the conclusion I was a witch cultist on your own. You had help."

With the secret that Garfiel can't actually detect the witch's miasma on Subaru out in the open, the former gasps. He gazes at Rem with an expression of betrayal.

"I understand your reservations about me, but if we keep the Sanctuary on lockdown forever, then no one is ever going to be able to leave! What about all the people who want to get out of this place? Would your mom want you to keep them trapped in this place?"

"My…mom…" Garfiel takes a step back at the mention of her. "W-What does it matter what she wants?! She…she…she and my sis both…"

It's faint, but Subaru notices tears forming at the edges of Garfiel's eyes. The latter violently shakes his head a moment later, appearing to have noticed them.

"I'm not exactly sure, but I think you cared about her."

Back when the Witch of Envy's "love" consumed Subaru, his consciousness felt like it was being squashed and stretched. Hundreds of thoughts were running rampant, trying to figure out what to do in that hopeless situation. At the same time, memories that he was unfamiliar with began flooding into his mind. There were a few from people he was familiar with, like Ryuzu and Ram. Some people he was unfamiliar with, like a few villagers from Arlam. He even received a few from Rem, who had died just moments earlier in that loop. The main ones he received from her were that she felt remorseful and guilty for being unable to do anything in her final moments.

Then there are the memories most relevant to the current situation, Garfiel's. While only a handful of his memories flew through his mind like everyone else's, Subaru was able to determine some more details about him. The primary ones being the ones that were spoken aloud to him. It isn't that Garfiel is directly opposed to the Sanctuary barrier being lifted. It's more that he is afraid of having the barrier lifted. Through Garfiel's memories, Subaru learned a little about his mom. She is someone who isn't at the Sanctuary, but is someone Garfiel seems to feel fondly about.

"Shut up! …Shut up!" Gritting his teeth and lifting an arm, Garfiel jumps up and aims a fist at Subaru. Before he can land the hit, a fist comes flying into his own, neutralizing the attack.

"Wah-" By the time he processes what just happened, another fist lands squarely on his forehead, sending him flying backwards all the way to the forest.

"What is going on out here?"

"Did I just see punches thrown?!"

"Wah?! A fight! Mommy! Daddy! Protect me!"

Multiple voices of confusion and fear come out from various windows of the village houses. Being on the village outskirts, it was inevitable that the noisy sounds of combat would reach the outermost homes. If the fight had been closer to the village, there would have been property damage and people injured.

Recognizing this possibility, Subaru punches himself in the chest for nearly allowing a major accident to occur.

"Subaru-kun?! What are you doing?" Shocked and confused by his action after having just repelled Garfiel's attack, Rem gives him a worried look.

"I'm sorry everyone! There's just…a big disagreement going on between us right now! We'll get it resolved and no one else will be involved! Please remain calm! Rem, let's go!"

Shouting to the residents with their heads popped from their windows, Subaru grabs Rem's hand and runs as quickly as he can in the opposite direction Garfiel flew. Rem stumbles slightly at being unexpectedly pulled forward, but manages to avoid falling. He doesn't stick around to see whether the residents received the message the way he hoped they would.

"Natsuki-san? Rem-san?"

Hearing the commotion and coming to a window a bit later than some of the other villagers, a certain merchant wearing a green nightgown and matching color wool hat widens his eyes as he sees the two running down the central road as fast as they can. Though he does call out their names, it is too soft to be heard by either of them. He more questioned what they were doing internally and their names came out as a result of that.

"Merchant boy, what are you doing? I heard stumbling."

Turning around, Otto sees who entered his bedroom without knocking or asking for permission, "Ram-san?"

"Yes, that is my name."

"I have a name too you know! And why did you enter without knocking?!"

"Right. Otto, was it?"

"If you know my name, use it!"

With this banter back and forth, Otto returns to looking out the window while sighing, "Say, Ram-san, I got woken up by some pretty loud noises. You don't look like you've gone to bed yet, so do you know what's going on?"

Ram comes up and joins him at the window. As the window is relatively small, Otto shuffles to the left a little to make room for her. He blushes a little since he's not used to being so up close to a girl. Especially a more cold and distant girl like her. Looking out with him, she replies, "Barusu appears to have roused up Garf, and has brought Rem along. That man constantly gets himself into trouble and drags whoever is around with him. Perhaps a serious beating from Garf would set him straight for once."

Otto gasps in horror, "You're just going to leave him to get beaten by that scary looking guy?! How strong is he?"

"Presuming he has trained steadily and consistently like he did back then, he is likely around Rem's strength, if not higher."

Just as Otto opens his mouth to reply to that scary assignment of strength, a growl and pounding of footsteps cause him and Ram to look for the source. Not far away, they spot Garfiel slowly approaching the house they're in. Stomping his way through the central street, leaving tiny craters in the dirt, he travels in the same direction Subaru and Rem went a minute or so earlier, albeit not nearly as quickly.

"Damn it, where did those two go?"

Otto and Ram duck to either side of the window as Garfiel growls and stomps past the house. After a moment, Ram hears some rumbling coming from the other side of the room. Looking over, she sees him rumbling through a brown bag.

"What are you doing?"

"At this rate he's going to find Natsuki-san and Rem-san! I'm not very strong but…" Reaching into his bag, he brings out a few red colored stones.

Ram's eyes widen a little, "Fire magic stones? You intend to stop Garf's pursuit with those?"

Sensing the tone of disappointment from her, Otto nods, "Yeah. He doesn't look like a guy that can be reasoned with! Is the number not enough? Or too much?"

"Garf is tough and nimble. You'd likely only anger him further with those. But…" Ram pauses.

"But what?"

"Follow me."

Ram gets up and looks out the window one more time. Seeing Garfiel exit the village, she turns and gestures to Otto to follow her. Asking her to wait outside the room for just a moment, he quickly discards his nightgown and hastily dresses into his merchant outfit.

"Hah…ok. We should be safe for now." Panting a little, Subaru looks back towards the village from behind a giant boulder. He and Rem ran about as far as they could from the village while remaining outside the forest. He didn't want to get lost in there again.

"Subaru-kun, what are we going to do? The plan has already started to fumble." Rem asks, crouching next to him, likewise behind the boulder.

"It's fine…the plan hasn't failed yet. It's just the Garfiel section initiated sooner than expected. If we can find Ryuzu Bilma, or maybe even one of the other Ryuzu's like in the original plan and explain the situation, perhaps they can tell us how to get through to Garfiel more effectively."

"I see. It's unfortunate my knowledge of Garfiel-san is severely lacking. It's been such a long time since I last saw him after all." After pausing to frown, she continues, "Last time, Bilma-san was in that tomb. Considering our current situation, she should be there right now, correct?"

Subaru nods, "Right. We should start heading that way."

"Leaving so soon?"

Upon making sure the surroundings on the other side of the boulder are clear, Subaru stands up. However, he freezes in place. He could make the identity of the voice, somewhat. It's a Ryuzu clone, but which one is it? If it is Bilma, then they are all clear. However, if it is Shima, the one who has been working with Garfiel and providing him with information all this time, then things could go south quickly.

"It's you."

Before he turns his head and sees the unexpected visitor, Rem voices her disdain for them immediately. If she's already this hostile, then that must mean:

"Ryuzu Shima…" He turns and sees that white robe that only Shima wears, confirming his suspicions.

"If you intend to capture and throw Subaru-kun into a cell again, you have another thing coming Shima-san." Rem looks down, narrowing her eyes at the girl half her size. However, despite taking full advantage of her towering figure, Shima doesn't look fazed in the slightest. Rather, she looks a little confused.

"Uh, Rem-" Subaru gets flustered and tries to intervene before getting cut off.

"What baseless accusations are you throwing around little lady? I haven't done such a thing, nor have I met either of you prior to now. Don't you think you're being rather rude?" With a slight tap of her cane on the ground, Shima shakes her head in disappointment.

Rem gasps, finally realizing what Subaru likely knew from the start. His imprisonment happened in a previous loop. No one aside from Subaru remembers what happened!

No! I'm such an idiot! I don't like her, but antagonizing her with something that never happened from her point of view is just going to land us in heaps of trouble! Taking a shaky breath, Rem attempts to rectify, "S-Sorry. Forget what I said just now. You just look very similar to someone I know who tried to falsely accuse Subaru-kun of something, so I preemptively reacted."

"...Is that so." Shima responds hesitatingly. "Well, whatever. I did not come here to do anything to either of you."

"What? You didn't?" Subaru says, a little surprised. "Then why are you here?"

"To inquire."

"To inquire?" He tilts his head.

"Yes. To tell you the truth, I was observing you and Young Garf."

"Huh?! You heard everything?!"

Subaru exclaims this loudly enough that Rem quickly quiets him down. She understands why he did so. With both Garfiel and Shima on their tail now, the ability to rectify the situation is becoming grimmer by the minute. If Meili were to somehow show up at this point in time, then it would truly be game over for them.

Rem is pulled out of her thoughts when Shima responds with something unexpected, "Young Subaru, is your desire to free the Sanctuary as intense as you claim? Do you believe that is the best outcome for all of us who have remained here for decades, centuries?"

Briefly taken aback by the question, he answers, "Of course it is! Aren't you all sick of being trapped in this bubble for who knows how long, with no way of getting out? Aren't any of the demi-humans the least bit curious of what is out there in the world?"

"The barrier is what has been keeping us safe all these years. Young Ros provides for us. What more can we ask for?" Shima answers as she adjusts the collar on her white robe slightly.

What is that clown preparing to do with these villagers? Why is he keeping everyone here? Rem asks herself. With the barrier ensuring none of the demi-humans escape, it's easy to presume, with her new knowledge of Roswaal, that he must be planning something vile.

"...You know. I've noticed something strange." Subaru says, appearing to go off topic, "There's four of you with personalities, right? I've spoken with the other three at least briefly in the past. They seem to be in favor of lifting the barrier, while you're the only one who refuses."

"That's true." Rem chimes in. "Until now, the only people who have actively stood in our way to lift the barrier are you and Garfiel-san. I don't remember Garfiel-san acting this hostile when he was younger. …Were you the one that influenced his current state of mind?"

Putting her hands on her hips and leaning in ever so slightly towards Shima, Rem questions the pink-haired half-elf.

She looks between the two, as if trying to ascertain something. "I may have. I've been his caretaker all these years after his family left. But the decision to reject the lifting of the barrier is one he came to on his own. That I can assure you of."

"Why are you two so against it?" Subaru asks.

"Young Subaru, do you notice anything strange about me?"

"Huh?" He mutters at this random question.

"Answer please."

"Uh…" He turns to Rem, who also appears to be thinking. "I presume you're not talking about your refusal to lift the barrier?"

"That is correct." She affirms.

Musing the question for a moment, he eventually figures it out, "Wait…that white robe of yours. All the clones that can't speak wear that color. Ryuzu Alma, Bilma, and Delma, who can all speak and have personalities wear black robes."

"So you should be wearing a black robe and not a white robe, right?" Rem finishes Subaru's train of thought.

Shima nods, "Yes. If I were the same as the others with personality, I would be overseeing the Sanctuary just like them. However, I am not. As you appear to be somewhat aware of Young Garf's family history, I will help fill in the blanks. It all started ten years ago-"

"Wait wait!" Subaru waves his arms, forcing her to pause. "Why are you now helping us? You're literally against us freeing the Sanctuary! Now you want to provide us with info that'll help bring Garfiel over to our side?"

"Many reasons, partially because of her." She points her staff to Rem.

Subaru looks at her in surprise while the oni points to herself, slightly flabbergasted, "Huh? Me? Why me?"

"You can sense the Witch's miasma oozing off of Young Subaru, can't you?"

She gasps, "How did you know that?"

As far as she is concerned in this loop, Rem has revealed nothing about her ability to detect the Witch's miasma to Shima. The two had never met in the past. In fact, Shima should know pretty much nothing about the existence of her aside from what Garfiel may have told her. She knows for a fact she never revealed that she could detect the Witch's miasma to him. Perhaps she observed it from a distance once in the past and she has a keen memory, recalling it?

"That nose of yours." Shima steps forward and points her cane to Rem's nose, mere inches from touching it. "It's been twitching in disgust once in a while. Young Subaru's physical scent is normal, and there isn't anything particularly foul around here, so he could be the only reason for that twitching."

"Ah…" Subaru lets out, ashamed. He knew Rem likely didn't bring up her disdain for the Witch's scent on him because she knew he cannot do anything about it, especially now that she has a better idea of its origin from the Witch of Envy. Thankfully, due to it not being brought up much, he doesn't have it on his mind often. However, now being reminded of her struggle with the scent makes him feel ashamed and guilty all over again.

Rem of course notices his attitude shift instantly, "A-Actually! While the scent is admittedly still hard to take in sometimes, I-I've gotten a lot more used to it! In fact, there are many times when I don't notice it at all! So please don't feel bad about it!."

Subaru doesn't respond, his mood not really improving. Rem frowns.

Shima takes this silence as a cue to continue, "Despite detecting this scent, which is common among all Witch Cultists, you treat him as anything but one of them. This is especially surprising considering the history of your village. If you believe and trust him not to be a Witch Cultist, I will also. So far, his behavior appears to run contrary to how a Witch Cultist would act."

"What do you know about my village?" Rem asks.

"Just what Young Ros has told the others and I've picked up on. The burning of the village by the Witch Cultists is common knowledge here. I'm getting off topic." With a light cough, Shima strikes her cane softly into the ground once more. "Now then, about Young Garf's and my past. About ten years ago, Garf came upon the ruin that houses the trials. There…"

And thus, Ryuzu Shima begins explaining the event that culminated in her and Garfiel's current states. With that said, over the entire period of the conversation, there has been no signs of Garfiel despite their relatively close proximity to the village. That is except for a large pained cry at some point, causing Subaru to turn and wonder with a frown, That sounded like Garfiel! What is going on out there…?

"Garf, what do you think you're doing, stomping around and disturbing the peace of the village?"

"Huh?"

Being called out after only spending a few moments outside the village, Garfiel turns to see an approaching Ram.

With an annoyed huff, Ram repeats the question. This time he answers, "My amazin' self is looking for that scrawny boy who's with your sister right now. Have ya seen 'em?"

She counters his question with yet another of her own, "Why are you searching for them?"

This causes him to stop and think about his answer. It's clear that Subaru is well acquainted with both of the sisters, Rem more so. Beyond that, Garfiel didn't have much to work with. The only thing he really picked up on, was that he lived at Roswaal's mansion just like the sisters and apparently Emilia as well. For how long he's lived there, and to what extent he's potentially manipulated them, he can't figure out. The real question is, should he tell the truth and see if she'll side with him?

"Ram, I'm gonna be honest with ya. Rem ain't safe with that boy. He's got the scent of the Witch on 'im. I dunno how, but he's somehow roped your sis into followin' 'im! My amazin' self can't let him keep prowlin' the Sanctuary unattended! Who knows what he'll do!"

"Garf."

"Heh?"

"Where did you get that information?"

"What information?"

Ram proceeds closer to Garfiel to the point that they are both now outside the village. Her visible sharp right eye fixates onto his own eyes. "That Barusu has the scent of the Witch on him. I know you do not have that capability, and I highly doubt Rem would tell you."

"...Granny did." Garfiel answers honestly, albeit slightly reluctantly.

"Hah. How bothersome." Ram replies, making no attempt to hide her annoyance.

"Ram, just what are ya tryin' to do? I'm helpin' ya out here!"

"Actually Garf, you are not. Quite the opposite in fact. You're being quite the nuisance."

"What?!" Garfiel shouts, his barely concealed rage leaking through his sharp canines, "Y'know, while I do like yer pushiness and sharp words, there's a limit. My amazin' self is tryin' to help yer sister, yet I'm bein' treated as a nuisance?! What, are you on that scrawny boy's side too? What has he done to ya both?!"

"Do not misunderstand my words." Ram states firmly, not intimidated by Garfiel's growing hostility, "I am first and foremost on Rem's side. Barusu has nothing to do with that. However, whenever Barusu has a goal or plan, he is amazingly stubborn to complete it, no matter the risks at stake. There is no stopping him."

"Ya say yer on Rem's side…but you ain't doin' nothin' to stop that scrawny boy's plans either! Are ya takin' me for a fool Ram?! He's an outsider! An unknown!"

Stepping around him, she looks out of the corner of her right eye before returning her gaze to him, "You're the one making yourself a fool Garf. I don't know what Barusu has planned. However…it must be something big. And knowing Barusu's behavior and that Rem is assisting him, I have no reason to interfere."

Hearing this, Garfiel clenches his fists and looks out towards the forest. "I dunno what he's done to ya and Rem, but my amazin' self is gonna put an end to it right now!"

Just as he's preparing to take his first step, he finds Ram blocking the path ahead.

"Move it Ram!" He growls.

"No." Saying that, she closes her eyes.

"I'll use force if I hafta!"

Upon reopening them, Ram narrows her eyes, appearing cross and disappointed in him. "I see, so this is how it's going to play out, is it? You're just as stubborn now as you were back then. Well then Garf, let's do this. See if you can finally take me down for once."

"Don't say I didn't warn ya!" With that, Garfiel throws out a fist, intending to hit Ram's forehead. Fortunately, she reads his movement and dodges to her right. Now open, Ram uses this opportunity to attempt to strike him in the legs with her right foot. The strike does not connect, as he is likewise quick to read his opponent's movements, jumping back a little to dodge.

Having fully acquired his attention, Ram retreats a little, backing slowly to the forest to see if he will follow her. His next movement, breaking out into a run, confirms her suspicion. Picking up speed herself, she retreats on a deliberate path into the forest.

"Ya seriously runnin' like that after attempting to stop me?!" Garfiel shouts as he chases after her, growing more furious at her weird behavior.

Unbeknownst to Garfiel, Ram had actually used clairvoyance not too long ago. The reason for this was to confirm the location of a trap that she and Otto agreed to have set up mere minutes ago.

Given the very short timeframe, this trap would only stall Garfiel for a short time. However, that's exactly what they're aiming for. Knowing that Garfiel is primarily acting hostile out of paranoia, they don't want to seriously harm him. Rather, the main goal is to keep him busy for as long as possible so that Subaru and Rem can escape and carry out whatever plan they have in store without interruption.

Rem has complete faith and trust in Barusu now. …It's understandable. Her loyalty for Roswaal-sama is greatly crushed from her newfound awareness of the Tome of Wisdom. And because of my inability to tell her about its existence and my contract with Roswaal-sama, she has lost her trust in me as well. I'm sorry Rem. I truly am. I hope with this I can show that I really do love you and want the best for you, even if our bond is severed.

Eventually she comes upon a large, partially covered pit of leaves and branches. Leaping over it, she runs a bit farther before stopping and turning around to see that Garfiel is right on her trail.

Seeing that Ram leaped, he does the same. However, at that moment, a flock of birds come out of nowhere and slam into Garfiel's head as hard as they can. They don't do any damage, but they cease his momentum just enough for him to fall into the pit.

"What the?" He says, confused and rubbing his head.

"Now!"

With that shout from Ram, two crystals fly through the air and land straight into the pit. They instantly explode, sending fiery flames into the air for a moment followed by a huge amount of smoke.

"Hah…did I get him?"

Stepping out from a pair of bushes, Otto reveals himself to Ram. A few twigs stick to his merchant outfit while blood trickles down his nostrils.

She gives a single nod, "Yes. Your nose is bleeding."

"Ah...I know." Pulling out a handkerchief, he wipes his nose. "Looks like I overdid it a little. Telling all those ground dwellers and bugs to dig out that hole as quickly as they did was rather chaotic and taxing on my body. I can't do that again."

"I wasn't expecting anymore out of you." She replies in such an indifferent manner that it comes off as insensitive.

"How harsh! Aren't maids supposed to be nice and sweet? Anyway, uh…is he going to be alright? I would never survive that."

"I already told you, Garf is tough. But with this he should-"

"Ugh."

A groan emits from within the pit, causing Ram to stop herself and look down. With the smoke clearing, a hand emerges, grabbing the edge of the pit.

"Uh, Ram-san…?" Otto apprehensively takes a few steps back.

"Hmph. Seems he's tougher than I anticipated. Prepare yourself." Ram warns as she likewise takes a few steps back.

Gripping the ledge with his other hand, Garfiel pulls himself up. He looks a little worse for wear. His entire vest turned into ash and dispersed into the sky. A portion of his lower clothing also burned away, but enough remains intact. Some dark bruises appear throughout his body but they don't seem to be inhibiting him in any way.

"You…" Darting his eyes furiously between the two, they eventually settle on Otto. "You threw the explosives at me, didn't ya?!"

"I-I uh…" Stammering before the seething Garfiel, Otto nearly pees his pants from his threatening aura alone. His knees clamp up and refuse all commands to move. Luckily this doesn't last for more than a couple seconds. When he regains movement, he turns and makes a run for it.

Unfortunately for Otto, a demi-human who is part tiger vastly outclasses him in the speed department. It takes only a mere second for Garfiel to catch up and strike him as hard as possible on his back.

"Waaaah!" Flying forward several feet in an instant, Otto strikes the ground and rolls forward until colliding with a large stump of a tree. Blood erupts from his nose, staining the grass below him red.

With a look of satisfaction on his face, Garfiel is about to turn around when a knife blade slashes clear across his back in an instant. Well, it feels like a knife blade. But the size of the cut and the fact it was done in a single instant means it could not be that. Additionally, Garfiel's skin is quite tough. That means the only attack that could have done that sort of damage to him is:

"A wind attack, huh?"

Properly turning around, he sees Ram with an outstretched hand. She must've casted a wind blade at him.

"Very astute Garf. You haven't forgotten what I'm capable of."

"Shut up! Is he really that important to ya that you'd go this far?!"

"If you're talking about whether Natsuki-san is worth anything, I suppose not." Otto replies as he returns, wiping his bloodied nose with his sleeve as his handkerchief can't take anymore. Though he may be afraid of Garfiel, if he wants any progress to be made, he must come out and face Garfiel himself. Besides, Ram is there if anything goes awry.

"Huh?!" Garfiel sounds.

Otto continues, dusting off his hat, "But Natsuki-san is really a curious individual. I look forward to seeing what flowers bloom from him. My job is pruning and brushing off the bugs to make those flowers bloom as brilliantly as they can. I suppose that's the sort of mood I'm in."

Ram huffs, "Hmph. Seriously, I don't know what you, Rem, or anyone else sees in Barusu. He's weak, pathetic, and can't even make tea correctly."

"Wow…you really do not hold back…" Otto mumbles, smiling awkwardly.

"But as I mentioned before, when it's a do or die situation, he has bizarrely good intuition. When Barusu sees an opportunity and acts on it, you know that's the only path to victory. Everyone who knows Barusu knows that, especially Rem."

"I see! So you really trust Natsuki-san more than you let on, don't you Ram-san?" Otto says in a playful tone.

"That's 'Ram-sama' to you Otto. …Interpret that however you wish."

"You never mentioned anything like that before! Such a stubborn way to hide your shyness!"

"Enough! Shut up!"

Now fully riled up and furious, Garfiel's figure starts to change after yelling at them. His muscles rapidly expand, orange fur grows all over his skin, he grows a tail, and his face shifts to that of a tiger. Actually, his entire body turns to resemble a tiger. On top of that, he enlarges to at least five times his original size. Towering over Ram and Otto, Garfiel bares his fangs and roars.

"W-W-Whaaaa?!" Otto, now having actually peed his pants, lets out a confused scream of terror at the sight of the beast.

"Stay back." Ram commands as she begins to walk forward, a proud smile on her face. With her being the closest target, Garfiel attempts to swipe at her with his giant tiger claw. Right before the claw can connect, Ram jumps up and gives a powerful punch into his jaw, causing him to stumble.

"Have you ever once beaten me in a punch-out?" Ram says upon landing. Successfully agitating him further, Garfiel turns his giant tiger body around and tries another swipe attack. She reads and dodges cleanly.

Being faster and nimbler than him at the present moment, Garfiel is only able to veer his head back around before the pink-haired maid is back up at his eye level and punches him again.

"Oh my gosh…" Otto watches the battle in both awe and horror. No wonder Roswaal hired Ram as his maid. She can really pack a punch.

Speaking of punches, that's exactly what Ram does to the tiger boy's face. Two, four, six, eight, ten. Ram mercilessly throws fist after fist at him. Each one pushes him further and further off-balance. By the fifteenth strike, Garfiel has lost his footing entirely and falls onto his back.

Somehow managing to stay in the air this whole time, Ram drops down to the floor and glances back towards Otto. However, it is then that Ram's pupils shrink as she lurches her head back. A burst of blood shoots from her forehead, forcing her to kneel. Otto gasps.

Despite the intense pain entering her body, Ram smiles as the blood drips down her beautiful face. "You've really grown stronger Garf."

WIth another loud roar, Garfiel gets back up and immediately charges towards Ram. While she does notice, she unfortunately cannot move out of the way. The recoil of using her oni power is too severe. He nearly reaches her when he feels an explosion on his back.

Growling in irritation and confusion, the huge tiger turns to find the origin. He sees Otto with a hand outstretched, obviously having just thrown another fire magic crystal. With another roar, he charges after the merchant.

Otto runs as fast as his legs will take him. If he slows down for even a moment, Garfiel will catch up and slice him into fine rice. That, or squish him into pudding. He shivers at both of these outcomes and increases his speed slightly.

"El Fula!"

Hearing that cry from behind, Garfiel turns around just in time to receive a massive wind blade squarely across his face. Meanwhile, Otto is accidentally smacked by Garfiel's large tiger tail and falls to the ground.

Having received that massive attack head on, Garfiel is forced to undo his transformation, lying on the ground upon completion.

Due to expending the last remnants of her power on hand, Ram too collapses to the ground and can move no further. More blood gushes from where her horn once was. In the end, their large brawl concludes with all three of them lying on the ground defeated with no real winner.

"I see…I get it now. I get the general idea of why he's been so afraid of the outside world. And you too…you've been through a lot as well."

"I had no idea Garfiel-san was suffering like that all this time. I feel bad for him. The original Ryuzu too, she..."

"I didn't tell either of you this to pity me, the original, or him. I simply told the truth as it is to help do what is best for us. So Young Subaru, what is it you intend to do now with this new knowledge?

Subaru and Rem were given a somewhat quick history lesson on the history of Garfiel and his family. It used to be him, his parents, and his older sister. That was until Garfiel's father disappeared one day for reasons unknown. His mother Reala Tinzel, would one day leave him and Frederica to search for him. Frederica would leave sometime later to work for Roswaal. When Garfiel took the first trial, he seemingly saw the death of his mother. Shima couldn't convince him that it wasn't what truly happened.

Finally, while she didn't get into anything super specific, Shima confirmed that the clones exist because the original Ryuzu gave up her life to merge with the catalyst of the Sanctuary and erect the barrier to stop someone named Hector. Due to Hector's strength, there was no other way to save the Sanctuary.

With Subaru and Rem's reactions respectively, Ryuzu Shima tapped her cane to the ground and gave that response in a slightly irritated tone. Before Subaru can give any sort of answer, Rem's pupils contract as she hunches over for a moment, panting a little.

"Rem?! What's wrong?" Subaru instantly goes over to support her body.

"Nee-sama…she's overexerted herself! B-But why? What is she doing?!"

"What?! ...Wait!" Subaru's shoulders stiffen at a sudden thought entering his mind.

"What is it?"

"Isn't it strange Garfiel hasn't found us by now? So much time has passed, and we're with Shima-san too, the one Garfiel is closest to here!"

"It could be that your sister is holding him off right now. Young Ram it was. Young Garf would often speak positively of her." Shima says.

"Then we must find her! And quickly!" Rem pleads.

"Right! Let's go!"

With that, Subaru and Rem run off towards the village.

"We can't find her anywhere! Where has she gone?!" Rem shouts despairingly as they arrive at the open field in front of the trial ruins.

"We'll find her soon Rem! I'm sure of it! You still have your connection to her, right?"

"I do! Yes, I do." Saying those words she knew to be true in her heart helps relieve her anxiety slightly. As long as she still has her connection to Ram via Synesthesia, that confirms beyond a shadow of a doubt that she's still alive.

They anxiously search the surrounding area for about a minute. Then, a voice calls out to them, or rather, to Subaru:

"Finally found ya, ya bastard."

Bloodied, bruised, and showing a few burn marks here and there, Garfiel reveals himself from the nearby forest, coming through a few bushes. By the way he is currently moving, it seems he is really out of shape and cannot do much. That doesn't prevent Subaru and Rem from remaining on high alert though.

"What did you do to my sister?!" Rem shouts at him, demanding he explain himself immediately.

"She'll be fine. That merchant too. Sheesh, that brat really has some stubborn friends. Even gettin' Ram to side with 'im…"

"Ram and Otto too?! I see…they must've noticed him coming after us and decided to help as best as they could. I'll have to thank them later. Now, Garfiel." Pulling up on his sleeves, Subaru moves forward towards Garfiel, "Shall we finish that conversation from earlier?"

"Subaru-kun?" Rem slowly follows after him in concern, but Subaru holds up a hand behind him.

"Stay there Rem. Let me handle this." He says at a low enough volume that Garfiel shouldn't be able to hear.

"No! If you-"

"I must show my resolve. Show that lifting the barrier is the best thing for the Sanctuary. I know why Shima doesn't want the barrier lifted. But a long time has passed since then, and there have been no recent threats. It's a new era, and much change comes with new eras. So please Rem, stand down."

Rem glances between him and Garfiel a few times before sighing, "I understand. But please be careful." She retreats to the first step leading up to the ruins, keeping a firm eye on them both.

"Finally finished yer little chat? Nothin' yer plannin' is gonna work! Everyone's stayin' here in the barrier and that's that!" Garfiel ridicules as he cracks his knuckles as best he can with his bruised and battered body.

"Garfiel, do you have a grudge against your mother who abandoned you?"

"Wha?! W-Why are ya…"

"Bringing up your family again? Sorry man, we take off our shoes when visiting someone's home, but it's the Natsuki family way to trample all over people's hearts with our shoes on. Your mother left you and Frederica behind when she left the Sanctuary. And then what did you do? Nothing!"

Garfiel slowly shakes his head, his mouth open and gasping slightly in denial of what he's hearing. Taking a step back, he hears Subaru continue, "Frederica left the Sanctuary too. Knowing what I know about her…I'm certain she believed you'd eventually liberate the Sanctuary. She's been working hard out there, preparing a place for the people in here to live once they leave. And what have you been doing here on the inside?"

With every step Subaru takes towards him, Garfiel takes one step back. There is no trace of the proud tiger boy currently being worn on his face. Still, Subaru presses on, "You want to keep the Sanctuary closed off because of what happened to your mother? What the outside world did to your mother, making her leave you and your sister and making her succumb to her fate? Because you don't want to be hurt here?!"

"No! You're…what the hell do ya…"

"I don't!" Subaru raises his voice to a near shout, "I won't fully know unless you tell me! I won't understand what is running through your mind until you speak! If you want to stay here and cower like a baby, then that's fine, but don't make your insecurities a major burden on the rest of us here!"

Garfiel's voice softens significantly and starts to waver, "Yer wrong! I'm…I'm not a coward! I wanted my mom to be happy! We were in the way, weren't we? My sis and I were in the way of her happiness, weren't we?!" He covers his face with his hands in shame, "It only makes sense! She couldn' even stand to look at us! If yer carryin' baggage like that, what's wrong with dumpin' it somewhere? Mom left so she could find happiness! But…I saw it. I saw it in the trial…Right after Mom left here, there was a landslide, and she died!

He's opening up about himself. He wasn't willing to do this before. Is Subaru-kun being the one to talk with him about it causing him to do this? Or…could it be Nee-sama and Otto-san told him something? I need to find them as soon as possible, but as long as they are in a stable condition like Garfiel-san said…I can wait just a little longer. Listening to him reminds me of how I felt when I lost my parents—that feeling of despair, hopelessness, powerlessness—I know all of it!

Rem has these thoughts as she observes the two talking, or rather shouting at each other. Hopefully, at the rate things are going, a positive resolution can be reached.

Tears threatening to run down his cheeks, Garfiel continues venting his frustrations and sorrow, "Why? Didn't she leave here so she could find happiness? Didn't she leave us behind so she could find happiness?! If she abandoned us only to die before she could find happiness…" He hunches his body over, "What are we supposed to do? I wanted Mom to be happy. I wanted her to make me believe our sadness and loneliness served the purpose of helping her find happiness! …I wanted her to make me hate her!"

Both Subaru and Rem far behind look at him wide-eyed, surprised by how much he let out. He had really been building up these feelings over the past decade ever since witnessing what happened in that trial.

Wiping away the few tears he has, Garfiel resumes in a low, threatening tone as his body starts to glow red, "I'm not lettin' you get to the outside world. Things changin' ain't gonna make everyone happy. For a lot of us, nothin's ever gonna get better!"

Seeing Garfiel glowing like that, Rem immediately gets up and begins walking over to Subaru. She doesn't pull out her Morningstar quite yet.

"I'm gonna protect them and everyone within my reach." The tiger boy declares while stretching his arms as wide as he can. "I will become a barrier—a real barrier that separates the inside from the outside!

"Garfiel!" Subaru grits his teeth.

"The Sanctuary, the people here, Granny…I'll protect them all! No one can do it but me! No one will know but me! And no one else needs to know!

"You will not!" Rem comes in front of Subaru with her Morningstar in hand, ready to protect him with everything she has.

"It's okay Rem-rin." Subaru puts a hand on her shoulder, smiling at her willingness to protect him again. Stepping forth he gives Garfiel a firm expression, "You're so damn stubborn. I guess I'll have to force you into total submission to make you realize…that you're just a big, sweet idiot!" He turns around, "Rem!"

"Subaru-kun?"

"Throw me up above him! As high as you can!"

"What?!"

"Do it now! I promise it'll be fine!"

"What is with you…" Rem picks up Subaru. Then, running forward a few steps towards the huge tiger, jumps and launches Subaru into the air, "and your absurd requests?!"

"Thanks Rem." He says with a smile as he flies, though it's too soft for her to hear him. Rapidly gaining altitude, he soon comes to a stop about 400 feet above the ground. Looking down, he sees just how high he is and gulps. But there is no way he can back down now, since gravity begins to do its work. At the same moment he looked down, Subaru could see Garfiel having stopped and looking up at him. With a roar, Garfiel uses his powerful hindlegs to push himself off the ground and up to Subaru.

"Shamac!"

It has been quite a while since Subaru called out the name of that spell that ultimately resulted in him breaking his gate. And with the circulation of mana going in and out of his gate being extremely important, he knew this would be a very risky move. A move he is certain Rem will scold him severely for later. But right now he has to make use of it, for Subaru only has one chance, one opportunity to strike. To increase the odds of his strike connecting, and to avoid Garfiel countering it, Subaru must convince Garfiel his strike won't connect.

Black smoke erupts from his body and in an instant covers his entire body as well as the surrounding area. The smoke spreads enough to also completely engulf Garfiel. Looking aghast with her mouth hanging open, Rem can only stare at Subaru enacting his insane plan with disbelief.

"Subaru-kun…you already know your gate is almost completely broken right?! What are you going to do if you can't intake or expel mana anymore? Don't you know that's life-threatening?!"

Unfortunately for her, Subaru is too focused on the task at hand to hear her complaints. Raising his arms, he lets out a "RAAAAAGH!" as he slams his fists down straight onto Garfiel's thick cranium. Pain shoots straight into his hands from the hard impact, causing him to scream a little. Meanwhile, Garfiel plunges to the ground, the impact being just strong enough to undo his transformation.

Subaru exits the vicinity of the black fog and falls helplessly to the ground. Thankfully, Rem swoops up and grabs him before anymore damage could be done to his body.

"Subaru-kun!" Rem shouts his name in a mixture of worry and anger. She tries to speak further, but he stops her.

"Thank you. I know what you want to say Rem, but can you save it for after this is over?"

"...Unfair." She mumbles with a frown, setting him down.

"Ah…" Subaru tries to move his fingers, but a jolt of pain courses through his system.

"Let me-" She tries to offer healing his hands, but he ignores her and walks over to Garfiel and stands in front of him.

"Look at me Garfiel."

Now in a sitting up position with his head held low, Garfiel raises his head up to see a determined expression on Subaru's face.

"If you want to stop me, do it with your own hands. Don't wuss out, you spineless coward!"

"When are ya gonna stop taking me for a fool?" He replies.

"We're going to the outside world. Emilia will take on the trials. The Sanctuary will be liberated. Whether you want it or not."

His whole body now trembling, Garfiel slowly rises to a standing position, "Tsk. Who asked ya to do that?! Who said ya could?! This place doesn't need to change!"

"You know it's not gonna stay like this forever!" Subaru argues, "In the same way we've all been completely cornered, there's gonna be a time when you'll be helpless on your own! It could be tomorrow, or right now! Just go down, Garfiel. Learn what strength in numbers means!"

I'm so happy Subaru-kun has learned to allow others to help share the burden and not take it all on himself as he was doing up until now. I'm so glad he doesn't have to suffer alone anymore. If Garfiel-san can learn the same, that would be the best possible outcome. Rem muses as Subaru gives a type of speech that reminds her of the one he gave her a few months ago.

"There had to be…" Garfiel takes a step back, pulls back a fist, and rushes forward, "a better way for you to say that!"

PUNCH!

A brutal connection between his fist and Subaru's left cheek takes place.

Rem gasps, putting her hands to her mouth. Every muscle within her body is screaming at her to go and interfere. Either healing Subaru and retaliating against Garfiel. However, she doesn't move. She shouldn't move. If she did, she would be invalidating all of Subaru's efforts up until this point to get Garfiel to overcome his fears. That would be the worst thing she could do. So, she remains standing there, hoping that this will conclude soon.

Garfiel's eyes widen in shock that the punch actually connected. Subaru, who made no effort to dodge or counter his fist, now has blood streaming down his nose and mouth. Even more crazy, as the two stand there, staring each other off, their mouths twitching. One from pain and the other shock, Subaru's mouth in particular forms into a smug-like grin as more and more blood drips.

Garfiel steps back, and Subaru turns his head to the side to spit out a tooth that got dislodged from his gums. His left cheek begins swelling immensely.

Could I somehow restore that tooth? Rem wonders. Since adult teeth never grow back, he'd be short one tooth for the rest of his life. She doesn't know what tooth he lost, but regardless of which one he lost, eating would have to become a little harder for him from here on. She has never tried restoring teeth before, but since they are so small, perhaps her healing magic would be powerful enough to make that possible.

"Take a good look, Garfiel." Subaru puts out his arms and hands, wincing a little, "The wall you're so afraid of doesn't exist."

"It does exist. I am the wall!" He retorts, pointing to himself with a thumb. "I stopped here, and so did Granny and everyone else. And that's the end of it! That means it's over!

"Don't just give up on yourself! Whenever you think, 'I wanna do it! I wanna change!' That's where your starting line is! When you decide to lift your head and walk again, who has the right to stop you, for any reason?! Isn't that right, Garfiel?! Isn't that right, Emilia?!" He looks back towards the village where she's currently resting.

Finally, he looks beyond Garfiel and towards Rem, "And…isn't that right, Rem?!"

"Yes, yes it is!" She shouts in grand affirmation.

"Damn you!" Reeling back his fist again, Garfiel intends to strike again with a new surge of anger welling within him.

As he's coming, Subaru, for the first time, could feel something brewing deep within himself. A sort of power that has laid dormant this whole time, only now coming to life for the first time. As if untying itself from a knot, this newfound power breaks free. A purple flame rises within each of Subaru's nearly black irises.

With a yell, an unseen hand emerges from Subaru's stomach and uppercuts Garfiel right in the jaw. The punch is just as strong as the one Garfiel gave to Subaru. Sent into the air, he quickly falls back to the ground and violently rolls along the ground.

"What just…what just happened?!" Rem puts her hands to her mouth, unable to believe what she just witnessed. To her, she saw him get thrown back violently by seemingly nothing. But there's no way that nothing was there. After watching Garfiel tumble about, she looks after to Subaru and finds him kneeling down on the floor and vomiting.

"Subaru-kun!" She rushes over.

"You've gotta be kidding me…" Gazing up, he sees that Garfiel has once again regained his footing. "Just how tough are you man?"

Though he is standing, Garfiel is clearly in no good shape. Hunching over and panting heavily, it's obvious he doesn't have much left in him. Another punch or two should seal the deal. But then again, Subaru thought that by now he had done enough to wear Garfiel down.

"Don't ya…underestimate me. As long as…I don't break…I can still…" Staggering one step at a time, he stubbornly moves back towards Subaru.

"Well, damn. After all this, I have no choice but to recognize your strength." Subaru commends his efforts. There is really not much left he can do. Of course, Rem could deal the finishing blow, but after coming so far, that would feel very anti-climatic. He has to show Garfiel that he won't bend over so easily!

"This is…the end of it!" Garfiel declares in an unconvincing tone. But as of now, he still has the upper hand, "No one else will ever-"

"Rwwaah!"

Suddenly a cry rings into each one of their ears. A second later, a ground dragon swoops in, running at high speeds, and rams straight into Garfiel, sending him flying straight into a wall of stone bricks.

Snorting in satisfaction, the ground dragon raises its head up high and roars victoriously.

"Patrasche? Patrasche-san?!" Subaru and Rem call out in surprise at the same time. Then, Subaru shakes his head and chuckles.

"What do you think, Garfiel? This is what you call 'strength in numbers'"

With no more strength within him to resist, Garfiel weakly turns his head over to Subaru and says as loudly as he can, which isn't loud at all, "Again…there had to be…a better way…to say that."

"Young Garf, it's time to stop this." Coming out from the forest, Ryuzu Shima calls out to the tiger boy in question. "With all this effort they are putting in, you should listen to them properly.

"Ryuzu Shima…" Subaru and Rem call out her name together.

"Granny…" Garfiel does so too in his own way. However, he immediately passes out.

A moment later, Subaru does the same.

"Is it finally over?" Rem calls out hopefully to no one in particular. Putting a hand on Subaru's head, she begins to rub his hair affectionately.

"Yes, I believe it is." Shima responds with a small smile.

Some Time Later

Subaru's eyes slowly shimmer open. Above him is a clear night sky. Although, compared to earlier in the night, it appears to be slightly darker. Probably because the moon is lower in the horizon now. Shifting his pupils around a little, he quickly lands them upon Rem's own pupils.

"You're awake Subaru-kun." She greets him with a warm smile.

"How…how long have I been out?"

"About half an hour I think. You were snoring like a log. It was really adorable."

"Heh?" Feeling something soft and squishy under his head, and seeing where Rem's head is, it didn't take a genius to find out what was below him. "Were you resting my head on your lap this whole time?!"

"Not the whole time. I went to find Nee-sama and Otto-san while Shima-san and Patrasche-san remained here."

Flexing his fingers, he found that he found that none of them twinged in pain anymore. "Did you heal me?"

She nods, "Yes, along with everyone else"

"Ah, thank you so much Rem-rin. You're a real lifesaver."

"Ah! Natsuki-san, you're awake!" Sitting a few steps above them Otto expresses his relief.

Getting up instantly, Subaru walks over to him and gazes at him intensely.

"Uh…is something wrong Natsuki-san?"

"Yes, something is wrong! What happened with you? How'd you end up getting mixed up with Garfiel?"

"I…well…it's a long story…"

"I involved him in this mess. So for once, you can blame me, Barusu."

At the top of the steps to the trial ruins, Ram cuts in, making sure the record is set straight. Below her legs, Garfiel's head is resting peacefully.

"What…? What did you two do exactly?"

"As Otto said, it's a long story that I'm not particularly in the mood to tell right now."

"Ah well…you two did what you did to help me and Rem right? Thank you both very much." Subaru claps his hands and nods to the two of them.

"To assist Rem, yes." Ram says.

"Nee-sama…" Rem looks at her with a frown.

"Don't worry Rem-san. Ram-san was just as worried about Natsuki-san too. As was…" Pulling back his leg, Otto gives a somewhat strong kick into Subaru's right leg, "me!"

"Ow!" Subaru hobbles back a little in pain, looking at the merchant in shock.

"Don't worry me like that again, you hear?! Otherwise, the next kick won't be as gentle."

Right after Otto shouts his complaint, a tail swoops around Subaru and lifts him high into the air.

"Woooah!" Flailing a little, he looks down to see that it's Patrasche who's the culprit. "What are you doing?!"

Setting him down, she gives a little tap to the back of his head before snorting.

"Need a translation?" Otto asks.

Subaru rubs his leg, "She said, 'Don't worry me like that,' right?"

"Also, 'Don't get too full of yourself. There won't be a next time.' That's why she picked you up like that."

Going up and patting Patrasche on the head, Subaru gives her his thanks. She caws in approval.

"So…Garfiel hasn't woken up yet?"

"I believe he's about to." Ram replies to Subaru's question. His head has been moving in her lap a bit more frequently in the past minute.

"Let's give them a bit of space." Ryuzu Shima, who's also with them, requests this.

Everyone agrees and go to the other end of the ruins.

Garfiel slowly opens his eyes. All the blood and other injuries are now gone thanks to Rem having healed him at Ram and Shima's request.

"Garf, you're awake?"

"Yeah…I'm awake."

"Then get off of me already." Ram shoves him off her lap, his face hits the stone below.

Ram wipes the hem of her dress where Garfiel's head was, "My feet are going numb."

He rubs his head, "Still ain't a shred of niceness in ya, is there?"

"When there's someone worth being nice to, I can be nice."

Garfiel sighs, "And I'm not worth that, huh?

"Sorry. If you want to hear a lady's true feelings, try a little harder." After a pause to look at everyone else down at the other side of the ruins, she returns her gaze to him, "Garf, you're too stupid. It's no use trying to think."

"Huh?"

"From now on, fight with an empty head and don't think about anything. For myself, Emilia-sama, and Rem."

"Bah!" Offended, he gets up, "Don't be dumb! I admit I lost! But admittin' and surrenderin' are two differen' things! I could pick up where I left off right-"

"Stop yammering! You lost Garf. You lost. How long must you carry on in front of the woman you love before you're satisfied?"

"S-So you want me to 'ust fall in line beside the rest of ya with a smile? I accept that I lost, but I don't accept that I was wrong!" He shakes his head, "That's right! I don't 'hink I was in the wrong! So I can't make some half-baked attempt to-"

"If you don't want to stop at half-baked, you just need to prove that you're not standing still."

"Huh?"

Ram points to the entrance to the trial.

"The trial…" Garfiel mumbles.

"Shima-san and I talked about it. Can you change, or are you going to be a little cowering child stuck in one place forever? Find out with your own eyes."

"Don't say it in a way that makes me wanna deny it. Hmph." Thinking back to what Subaru said about not giving up on himself, he clenches his fists.

"You look as if you've made up your mind. You'll be fine, Garf."

He looks back at her, she continues, "If anything frightens you to the point of tears, I'll comfort you. As a favor to an old friend, you know?"

Saying that, Ram gives Garfiel a smile that could rival Rem's in terms of how endearing and affectionate it is. For a moment, he wonders if Rem and her somehow swapped bodies, but looking back at her and seeing her smiling and talking with Subaru and Otto, he realizes he is an idiot for even thinking that.

"Alright, my amazin' self will do it!"

After a little while, Garfiel emerges from the trials and jumps from the top step to the bottom, doing a flip in the process. Ryuzu Shima sees and rushes over to him.

"Young Garf, h-how did it go?" She asks, a clear look of concern shines in her eyes.

"Aww, don't make that face Granny. It don't suit ya." Saying that with a surprisingly sweet tone, he pats her head. Smiling, he apologizes, "Sorry I worried you."

"Garf, how did it go?" The next person to walk up to him, Ram, poses the question that is on everyone's mind.

"Well, I can't say I really got any results ya can see out of it. But…I do think I got some closure."

"Is that so? I'm happy to hear that Garfiel-san. Nee-sama gave you that last burst of encouragement you needed, didn't she?" Rem says.

"Hehe, I suppose she did. Although…" He casts his gaze on Subaru, causing him to go "Hm?"

"I think the reason I finally accepted the trial was probably cause of you. So thanks."

Subaru stares at him like he's an alien, "Did you just say 'thanks'?

He blushes hard and shouts, "My amazin' self ain't gonna say it again!" Then, pointing a finger at him, he continues, "Listen up! I realize I lost! But if ya guys liberate this place and the Grannys suffer for it, I won't go easy on ya!"

Getting up all in his face, Subaru stutters, "Y-Yeah, of course…"

"Which means I'm gonna be here to make sure ya ain't all talk! So, make sure ya do it right, Capt'n!" Slapping a hand onto his shoulder, Garfiel turns around and walks off to Ram and Shima.

"Hold up…captain? Between the two of us, you're above me, though."

Ram turns to Subaru, "I bet you feel as if you've gained a new brother. You're older than he is, so be lenient."

"Well in that case…wait a minute! Did you just say he's younger than me?!"

Rem chuckles nervously, "Uh…sorry Subaru-kun. I guess I forgot to tell you how old he is. Garfiel-san is turning fourteen this year."

"Huh? Muttering that in a high pitch, he shouts to no one in particular:

"Did I just have a huge fight with an eighth grader?!"

Otto and Shima chuckle at his overreaction. Rem looks away from everyone, deciding to instead gaze at the moon slowly setting in the horizon with a frown.

Ram comes over to her sister and wraps an arm around her.

"Nee-sama?"

She puts on a proud smile, "I can see you're anxious, but don't worry. Whatever it is you're planning with Barusu, I'm certain it will go well. After all, Barusu is a man with impeccable timing."

That's because you don't see the failures that come before the successes… Rem muses. Knowing the truth, Ram's comment about his impeccable timing doesn't bring her any comfort. However, she can tell that her sister is undeniably confident in her words of comfort. For that reason, even if that confidence is misplaced, she can feel some of that confidence transfer over. With a clenched fist, Rem turns to her sister with a smile.

"Yes. I also believe in Subaru-kun."

Now, it's time to save Roswaal-sama from the dark road ahead of him. I want to show Rem that he can redeem himself.

Now, the next step is to destroy that clown. So he can no longer bring suffering to Subaru-kun, Nee-sama, Emilia-sama, or anyone else ever again.

With polarizing thoughts for Roswaal forming in Ram and Rem's minds respectively, the two continue to gaze towards the moon together.

"Say…Otto?" Subaru looks over to him.

"What's up Natsuki-san?"

"About that thing I wanted to talk with you about earlier…can we do that now?"

-Author's Corner-

Hello! I'm back with another chapter! And it didn't take me four months! Still slow but better than last time.

With chapter 30 the fanfic has reached another milestone! Thank you to everyone who has supported me up to this point whether it was following, favoriting, reviewing, beta-reading, or simply reading! I hope you all continue to enjoy Rem's Journey!

With this chapter we wrap up Garfiel's arc. I kept the fights largely the same overall but with plenty of divergences along the way. I have to say, Garfiel for me was difficult to understand when I initially watched season 2. What with him going from being nice to hostile with Subaru and not really understanding all that well why. But upon rewatching and discussing with others about it, I came to understand much better what was going through his mind. I believe I managed to accurately capture his thought process even if canon helped me with some of the dialogue.

I have a note for the upcoming chapters. I may have mentioned this before but I will repeat it if I have. As you have seen in this chapter, I skipped over Otto's backstory and Garfiel's trial that would've happened in canon at this point. The reason being there is simply no point in doing events don't differ from canon. For the same reason, I will be skipping all of Emilia's trials. I will also probably be skipping over the sequence of Subaru contracting with Beatrice, since that will also not change from canon. However, if you all really want me to include it anyway I will consider it. These events will happen, it's just they won't be on-screen.

A huge thanks to Dirkmcdirt for beta-reading this chapter!

Deathenglegamers1144: Thank you! Yeah, Ram wouldn't let anyone harm without a really good reason. I think you'll like what I have planned.

danielsantiago4545: Thanks! Glad to be back again!

TheEndBoss: Aww thanks for checking! Glad you liked Rem and Ram's interaction. I am happy to report it didn't take four months this time! And I hope to be even faster with the next one.

demon god noir: I don't think it would've escalated to the point of pure hostility, but yeah the sisters definitely would've been on much tenser terms if that was the case. Thank you!

Maximum Rhapsody: Goodness, I don't know how devastated Rem would be if their whole conversation got erased from Ram's mind. It's actually been quite a while since Rem lowered Ram from her pedestal. It just hasn't come up and showed the consequences of that in such a blatant way for a while. As for your questions, the answers will come in due time.

Tetramy: Oh my goodness, having my fanfic being evaluated as on par with an official IF is such high praise I could only hope for! And the fact I inspired you?! Wow…Thank you so much! You've got good advice and I actually already do this in general to a small extent. If I get ideas that I know I won't retain in my head I'll sometimes write them down to hopefully use them later. I hope that you'll get out of your writers block soon! If you get any ideas for whatever you're writing, even if it's only a sentence, make sure to write it down!

NeverComeTrue: Not one but TWO people saying my fic is on par with an official IF?! Wow! Seriously, thank you! That's a fair criticism to have. I probably won't have her like this all the time. But it is true that she will be much more protective of him because of her knowledge of RBD. I hope you enjoyed the chapter!

Aion-Maxton: Well, you're in luck! Here's the next chapter!