It's Got To Be A Game…Right?

Subaru regained consciousness. He blinked around, his vision slowly coming into focus. He felt something soft and persistent poking his cheek. It was an odd sensation, almost like a small paw.

"Lia?"

He blinked again as he sat up, feeling disoriented. The small cat was still floating beside him, its little paws waving frantically.

"This can't be real…" Subaru murmured, blinking rapidly as he tried to make sense of his surroundings. Then he looked down at the unfamiliar mounds on his chest. They were soft and round, a sensation that was alien and startling to him. With a mixture of curiosity and disbelief, he poked them experimentally. "Ahm!" The unexpected sensation made him gasp.

Driven by a mix of panic and curiosity, Subaru's hand moved lower. His fingers brushed against the empty crotch area where he had always felt something else. "What the…?" He felt a surge of confusion and disbelief. He poked around a bit more, just to be sure, and his face contorted into a look of utter bewilderment.

"Uh, Lia, what are you doing?" the cat asked nervously, its tiny eyes darting around as if expecting someone to come by and catch them in this awkward moment. Puck's voice was high-pitched and shaky, clearly unsettled by Subaru's actions.

Subaru jumped back, his face turning crimson with embarrassment. "I…I was just checking!" he stammered, his voice rising in pitch. "This is all just so weird! I mean, I'm a girl now? Really?"

Puck floated closer, his expression a mix of concern and irritation. "Yes, really. But poking and prodding isn't going to help. We have more important things to worry about right now."

"Lia, huh?" Subaru mused aloud, trying to wrap his mind around this new identity. So that's the name of this avatar. He had nothing against females, but he was a guy and had always wanted a cool, handsome avatar. Not some chick. "This commercial prank is too realistic." Then he yelled at the sky, frustration bubbling up. "Oi, Gamemasters! You there?"

Silence.

"Status!" he yelled, expecting a floating window to appear in front of him, something like a game menu.

Nothing.

"Uh… Show my status?" he tried again, his voice tinged with desperation.

Nothing.

"Lia," the cat said, drawing his attention. "People are watching."

Subaru looked around and noticed that quite a few people had stopped to stare at his bizarre antics. Some were whispering, others just gawking openly. He felt his face heat up even more, a mix of embarrassment and frustration boiling over.

"Okay, okay, this is reaaally happening," he muttered to himself, trying to regain some composure. "So, I'm stuck in this avatar, and there's no game menu to help. Fantastic."

Puck sighed, hovering closer. "Yes, it's happening. But we need to focus on finding the thief, remember?"

"Right, the thief," Subaru echoed, nodding as he tried to gather his thoughts. "Let's get do it, Cat. And maybe I'll figure out what the hell is going on along the way."

"Good idea. And maybe keep your hands to yourself for now, alright?"

Subaru couldn't help but laugh, the absurdity of the situation catching up to him. "Yeah, probably a gooood idea. Let's go find that thief."

Subaru looked around and sure enough, there were people—humans and demi-humans alike—staring at him with a mix of curiosity and amusement. He could feel their eyes on him, making him even more self-conscious. So, these were players too? If he was really stuck here for some time, he couldn't afford to make a fool out of himself. But if he was stuck here, he might as well make the most of it. Perhaps gaming here would distract him from his dreary reality back home…

He shook his head, clearing away the dark thoughts.

"Ooh, I haven't introduced myself yet," He looked at the cat and grinned, slipping into his usual bravado. He did his signature pose: left hand close to hips, hip bent a bit, right hand pointing at the sky, chest out and a confident smile plastered across his face. "Yo! I am Subaru Natsuki, clueless and broke beyooond comparison! Are you my guide?"

The cat narrowed its eyes, clearly unimpressed. "That thief… she really shouldn't have pushed you that hard." It suddenly floated behind his neck and disappeared, but he could still hear the cat's voice in his head, echoing strangely. "Your name is Emilia, a half-elf and candidate for the royal selection. A thief just stole your insignia and we gotta find her before taking you to a doctor."

"Insignia?" Subaru frowned, the word not making much sense to him. But then, an image of a golden-colored small object, like a fancy badge with intricate designs, popped into his mind. Subaru assumed it was the cat's doing. The insignia was oval-shaped with elaborate etchings and a small gemstone embedded in the center, radiating a soft glow. "Oh… so it is my quest? Great! Although I would reaaaly—" he paused, catching himself. Why was he speaking like that? "—like to change my avatar."

"Lia," the cat spoke again, its voice strict and authoritative. "We don't have time to waste. We better find your insignia lest you lose your position as a candidate for the royal selection."

"Okay, got it! Find the insignia!" Subaru declared with renewed determination. He began to walk, then abruptly stopped. "Uh… how are we supposed to find this insignia?"

"Ask people for a young girl with blonde hair and a slim figure."

"Okay!" he shouted enthusiastically before poking his left breast once more, unable to get over the strange new sensations of his body. "These things are reaaaly weird."

"Lia…" the cat's voice carried a note of warning, clearly growing impatient with his antics.

"Right! Insignia!" Subaru said, snapping back to attention. "Uh Neko-chan, what's your name again?"

"Puck,"

"Nice to meet you, Puck!"

"Yeah…likewise."

Subaru looked around, trying to figure out his next move. The street was bustling with activity, merchants shouting their wares, children running around playing, and various creatures—both human and otherwise—going about their business. The place had a medieval vibe, with cobblestone streets and buildings made of stone and wood, giving it an old-world charm that felt oddly comforting.

He approached a fruit vendor, a burly man with a bushy beard and a friendly smile. "Excuse me, have you seen a young girl with blonde hair and a slim figure around here?"

The vendor scratched his head, thinking for a moment. "Aye, I think I saw someone like that running towards the market square. Seemed in a hurry."

"Thank you!" Subaru said, giving a small bow. He turned and started towards the market square, his new body feeling strange but manageable.

As he walked, he couldn't help but notice how different everything felt. His balance was off, and he was constantly aware of the weight on his chest. His long silver hair swayed with every step, occasionally getting caught in the slight breeze. It was both beautiful and bothersome, a constant reminder of his transformed identity.

"Lia, we're on the right track," the cat's voice reassured him from within his mind. "Stay focused."

"Yeah, yeah," Subaru muttered, weaving through the crowd. The market square was even busier, filled with stalls selling everything from exotic spices to handmade jewelry. The air was thick with the mingling scents of exotic foods, incense, and a hint of sweat from the bustling crowd.

Subaru approached a bread vendor, a stout woman with flour-dusted hands and a warm smile. Her stall was piled high with various loaves, from crusty baguettes to soft rolls. "Excuse me, have you seen a young girl with blonde hair and a slim figure around here?"

The woman frowned, thinking. "Can't say I have, dear. Lots of folks pass through here, though. You might want to try asking around more."

"Thanks anyway," Subaru said, giving a slight bow. As he turned to leave, he felt an odd sensation, as if the woman's eyes were lingering on him with a mix of curiosity and unease. He brushed it off and moved on to a nearby wine seller, a tall man with a weathered face and a deep voice, arranging bottles of red and white wines on his table.

"Hello, sir. Have you seen a blonde girl, slim build, around here recently?" Subaru asked, trying to keep his tone casual.

The wine seller shook his head. "Nope, haven't seen anyone like that. You might have better luck near the alleyways. Those sorts tend to hang around there."

"Got it, thanks," Subaru replied, though he felt a bit deflated. As he walked away, he noticed the wine seller watching him warily, as if trying to make sense of something.

As he walked through the market, he noticed the odd languages on the signs and couldn't read any of them. The people were selling some strange items: odd trinkets, glowing stones, and various potions in colorful vials. The fruits and vegetables looked unfamiliar, vibrant colors and unusual shapes he'd never seen before. Meats hung from hooks, some recognizable and others looking like they came from creatures out of a fantasy game.

Just then, he saw a little girl with green hair crying in the corner of the market. She looked lost and scared, her small frame shaking with sobs. Subaru's heart went out to her, despite the cat in his mind telling him not to waste time.

"We should keep moving, Lia. This isn't our concern," the cat advised sternly.

"I can't just leave her like that," Subaru insisted. "Even if she's an NPC, she needs help."

He approached the little girl slowly, trying not to startle her. "Hey there, are you lost?" he asked gently, kneeling down to her level. The girl looked up at him with wide, teary eyes but didn't respond. She seemed hesitant, unsure whether to trust him.

Subaru thought quickly. He remembered a simple magic trick his dad had taught him. He found a coin in the pouch at his waist, a small piece of silver that glinted in the light. "Watch this," he said, smiling warmly. He held the coin between his fingers, showing it to the girl before making it 'disappear' with a quick sleight of hand.

The girl's eyes widened in amazement. Subaru then 'pulled' the coin from behind her ear, making her giggle through her tears. He grinned, pleased that he had managed to cheer her up.

"See? All better now," he said, handing her the coin. "Now, let's find your mom, okay?"

After walking around for about ten minutes, a woman saw them and came running over, her face filled with relief. "Oh, thank the gods! Eina, where have you been?" she cried, scooping the girl into a tight hug. When the woman's eyes met Subaru's, she flinched slightly but then reluctantly said, "Thank you for helping my daughter."

"No problem," Subaru replied, smiling softly. "Glad I could help."

As the woman walked away, Subaru couldn't shake the feeling that something about him was making people uneasy. But he brushed it off and continued his search for the blonde girl with the slim figure.

He asked a few more people with no luck, until he finally approached a blacksmith hammering away at a glowing piece of metal. The man was muscular, with a rugged beard and a stern expression.

"Excuse me," Subaru called out over the clanging of metal. "I'm looking for a young girl with blonde hair and a slim build. Have you seen anyone like that around?"

The blacksmith paused, wiping sweat from his brow. "You talking about Felt? She's a known thief around here. Lives in the slum area."

"Felt, huh?" Subaru nodded. "Thanks for the info."

"Be careful," the blacksmith warned. "She's got a sharp tongue and quicker hands. Watch your pockets."

"Will do," Subaru said, heading off toward the slums with the cat giving him directions in his mind.

As he walked, the buildings became more dilapidated, and the streets narrower and dirtier. He couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. This game world was strange and dangerous, but also thrilling in a way his old life never was.

"Alright, Puck," Subaru said, addressing the voice in his head. "Lead the way to Felt. Let's get that insignia back."

"Stay sharp, Lia," the cat replied. "We're almost there."

As Subaru made his way through the winding streets of the slum area, the air grew thick with the stench of decay and refuse. The buildings here were crumbling, their wooden frames sagging under the weight of neglect. Dark alleys branched off from the main path, each one seeming more ominous than the last. His nerves were on edge, every shadow and sudden movement catching his attention.

He saw a drunk man slumped against a wall, a bottle of some foul-smelling liquid clutched in his hand. The man's clothes were tattered, and his face was covered in grime. Subaru hesitated for a moment, then decided to approach him.

"Hey, man," Subaru called out, trying to keep his tone casual. "I'm looking for a girl named Felt. Blonde hair, slim build. Seen her around?"

The drunk man looked up, his eyes bloodshot and unfocused. He took a swig from his bottle before answering. "Felt, eh? She's a slippery one. If you're looking for the bitch, try the loot house down that way." He pointed a shaky finger down a narrow, twisting alley.

"Thanks, bro!" Subaru said, trying to sound upbeat.

"Yeah, yeah, fuck off, witch," the man muttered, taking another drink.

Subaru froze, the words hitting him like a punch to the gut. Witch? What did they mean by that? He felt a sudden rush of anxiety, his mind racing with questions.

"Pay them no heed, Lia," Puck, the cat, said reassuringly in his mind. "They don't know what they're talking about. Let's just find Felt and get your insignia back."

Subaru took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. "Right, right. Focus on the task. Got it."

He followed the drunk man's directions, heading down the narrow alley. The deeper he went, the more decrepit the surroundings became. The windows of the buildings were boarded up, and trash littered the streets. He saw a few rats scurrying about, and the occasional distant shout or crash echoed through the alleyways.

As he walked, he couldn't shake the unease that had settled over him. The word "witch" echoed in his mind. Why did people keep reacting to him like that? Was there something about this body, Emilia's body, that made them uneasy?

"Lia, we're getting close," Puck's voice interrupted Subaru's thoughts. "Just a bit further."

Subaru nodded to himself, picking up the pace. He turned a corner and saw a dilapidated hut that looked like it had seen better days, with a faded sign hanging precariously above the door. This must be the loot house.

He approached the hut cautiously and knocked on the door. A grumpy, heavy voice answered from inside, "For a rat."

"What?"

"For a whale?"

"Lia," Puck supplied. "I think he is asking for a password."

Subaru froze, his mind blank. "Uh, I don't know the password, but I'm looking for Felt. She stole my insignia."

There was a pause before the voice grumbled, "If you don't know the password, get lost."

Subaru hesitated. "Please, I reaaally need to see Felt. It's urgent."

The door creaked open, revealing a giant old man with a weathered face and a muscular build. His eyes narrowed as he studied Subaru. "Felt should be coming here soon. She's got something to sell to a client. That might be your insignia."

Subaru nodded, feeling a mix of relief and tension. "I'll wait then."

He stepped inside the hut, feeling the giant's watchful gaze on him. The interior was dimly lit, cluttered with various trinkets and items that looked like they had been scavenged from different places. Subaru found a spot to sit and waited, his mind racing with thoughts about what might happen next.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows inside the hut, Puck spoke up. "Lia, it's time for my nap. If anything happens, I'll act according to our contract."

"Uh, what contract?" Subaru asked, confused.

"...right. Forget it," Puck replied, his voice fading as he presumably went to sleep.

Moments later, someone knocked on the door. The giant asked, "For a rat?"

A high-pitched voice responded correctly each time, and the door swung open. Subaru was greeted by the sight of the girl who had stolen Emilia's insignia. She had blonde hair, bright green eyes, and a defiant look on her face.

"You!" Felt yelled, pointing accusingly at Subaru.

Subaru struck a dramatic pose and did his signature introduction, albeit awkwardly in his new body. "Yo! I am Emilia, clueless beyond comparison! Return the insignia or…uh… I'll curse you!"

Felt narrowed her eyes. "You're a liar. You can't do anything to me, PRINCESS."

Subaru raised his hand upwards, pretending to use magic. "Lightning Style: Chidori!"

Silence.

The giant and the girl, each raised an eyebrow. Unimpressed.

"Uh... Kaa—"

Suddenly, an ice spear shot out of nowhere, hitting the ceiling with unbelievable speed. Felt and the giant both looked stunned.

"I should have known better…" the giant said worriedly, taking out a club. "Silver hair, amethyst eyes, and pointy ears…"

Subaru was confused. Was this body a criminal character? Before he could say anything, a seductive female voice spoke from the entrance of the hut.

"Ara~ ara~," the voice cooed. "Are we fighting here? And I thought it was supposed to be a normal deal." A woman stepped into the light, revealing her long black hair, pale skin, and crimson eyes. She wore a revealing outfit that accentuated her curves, and a dangerous smile played on her lips.

"Well, no problem," The woman continued. "I was supposed to kill everyone anyway…"

Before anyone could react, the woman vanished from her spot and reappeared behind the giant, slicing his throat in one swift motion. Blood sprayed, and the giant crumpled to the floor.

"Gramps!" Felt screamed, pulling out a knife, but the woman was too fast. She appeared in front of the girl and sliced her midsection with a fluid motion, leaving her to fall to the ground in pieces.

Subaru was shaking, his mind reeling from the gruesome scene. This game was too realistic! Too much gore!

He backed away, his heart pounding in his chest. "Stay back!" he yelled, though his voice trembled. "I-I'll curse you!"

The woman merely licked her blades, her eyes glinting with sadistic pleasure. She vanished again, reappearing right in front of Subaru.

Before he could react, he felt a sharp pain in his stomach.

'This is…'

He looked down to see his lower half standing while he was falling to the ground.

'...not a game.'

"How magnificent your bowels are!" The woman exclaimed, her voice filled with twisted delight.

Subaru's vision blurred as he lay on the cold, dirty floor. His life flashed before his eyes, and he felt a wave of despair and helplessness.

With that, Subaru Natsuki died.

oOo

"Sheesh, Lia," the figure spoke in a high-pitched voice, grinning slightly. "You nearly gave me a heart failure! Now, are you feeling okay? We still need to find your insignia, remember?"

Subaru gave the cat a blank look. His mind struggled to process the bizarre scene before him.

Then he recalled what had just happened. He was…killed. Everyone died. The memory was vivid and gruesome. He could feel the cold steel slicing through his flesh, the pain searing through him.

With that, he threw up. His body convulsed with each heave, the trauma overwhelming him. The taste of bile burned in his throat. He fell to his knees, gasping for breath.

"Lia! Lia! Are you okay?!" Puck's voice was filled with panic. The little cat darted around in concern.

Subaru was not okay. This wasn't a game. He clearly remembered being sliced in half like a cucumber. Yet, here he was—alive. Alive at the point when he first arrived here.

His heart pounded as the realization set in. Was his wish to be cared for by a silver-haired maiden fulfilled in this way? What an irony. He himself was the maiden now.

The absurdity of the situation almost made him laugh, but it was too much to process. It wasn't a dream. Hallucination was out of question. So…does this mean that what he saw was a vision?

The image of the woman in the loot house flashed in his mind—her sadistic smile, her deadly grace.

She said she was assigned to kill everyone there. So if he avoids going there, the old giant and Felt will surely be killed.

Whatever the reason, he knows that he needs to save that giant and Felt. He can't let anyone die…because of him

"I am okay," he replied. "Let's get our insignia back, Puck."

TBC