A/N: Hello friends. Here is this week's chapter. I was really glad to hear I was able to write Crusch accurate last chapter, as I wanted to really flush out YN's spot in the current story in regards to some of the characters so many of you also appreciate alongside Rem. This chapter actually features some Arc 3 content that was cut from the anime, namely it again involves Al and his still currently unknown qualm with Rem/Ram, so I decided to include that in this chapter since of course, it's Rem content. Please enjoy!
Chapter 92: Ghost Riders In The Sky
Disembarking the carriage, YN and Rem were left off at a property not far from the main Guard House that was the entrance to the Noble's district.
It was a large brick building, and while not exactly a Manor or a Mansion like they were used to seeing in the Capitol, it wasn't like it seemed as if it didn't belong.
Inspecting it closer, it appeared to be a clubhouse of some kind, sort of like a lodge. There were banners of various coats of arms and what looked like regimental colors being flown, but here and there, there were flags bearing the crowned lion from Crusch's mantle. Clearly, whatever this place was, it had pledged itself to Crusch some time ago.
Letting him gaze in curiosity at the structure before them, Rem finally stepped beside him and looked at it with him.
Rem: This is a hall for retired guardsmen and other veteran knights. Given Crusch-sama's stance on things, many here have been drawn in to support her.
YN: I guess that's to be expected.
As they idled, they eventually noticed the single other carriage outside that was to be the one they were hitching a ride on.
Rem: Rem will go speak to the ones responsible for loading the carriage.
YN: Gotcha, I'll just be right here.
With a wink, Rem left to speak to the handful of retired guards who were tending to the carriage and its dragon, leaving YN to his thoughts.
As he mindlessly looked around, the reality of his situation still felt fresh. He was in another world, and while things were somewhat familiar, he still felt like an outsider here. His entire time had been a massive game of shoots and ladders; high times and low times, ups and downs, good times and bad. But ultimately, he couldn't be more thankful he had been brought here.
Looking over to the source of that thankfulness, she caught his gaze as she was waiting patiently for the guardsmen to acknowledge her. Smiling brightly and happy to see that he was fixated on her, the adorable maid that cared so much for him reminded him of why his entire course of actions had ultimately led to something he'd never regret.
At times it was still hard for him to believe such a kind girl had feelings for him. Had it not been for the consequences of Death though, he would have never had learned to sway her heart.
It's all been worth it, that's for sure.
Finally getting an opportunity to speak though, Rem became preoccupied, and YN was forced to take his eyes off the beautiful blue haired oni that held his heart.
Looking about, YN spied the Manor across the street from him.
With a large wrought iron bar fence, perhaps twice his own height, the building it held past its lawn was surrounded by exotic and flamboyant looking plants and flowers. The trim on the building was equally elaborate. While he hadn't noticed it at first, this residence really seemed to stand out in terms of eccentricity in design choice, as if it was tailor made to be as over the top as possible.
YN: I sure am glad Roswaal's more bold tastes lie in his makeup and wardrobe, and not his landscaping...
Rem: YN-kun will be happy to know that Roswaal-sama appreciates a simplistic approach to yard care.
While he had been speaking just under his breath to himself, Rem had suddenly, and ever so quietly, appeared next to him once more.
YN: Had you been Ram, I might have jumped right out of my shoes...
Giggling softly, Rem was amused by his answer.
Rem: Nee-sama has taken a keen interest in surprising YN-kun.
Returning her gaze to where YN was also looking, Rem let him respond.
YN: Well, your voice is always calming to me, so it's no surprise it didn't startle me.
Rem: Rem is very happy to hear that. She can tell by the way YN-kun reacts when she whispers 'good morning' in his ear each day when he wakes up.
With a shade of red going across his face, YN scratched the back of his head in slight embarrassment.
YN: So uhh, how about that house, huh? Pretty swanky if you ask me.
Gesturing the manor with his thumb, Rem nodded.
Rem: Yes, Priscilla-sama has a very bold choice in design.
YN: — — —
Blinking twice in reply to her and staying silent, Rem tilted her head, wondering if she had said something odd.
Rem: —?
YN: Did you say that was Priscilla's residence?
Rem: Yes, it is.
Letting his mind theory craft for a moment, YN figured he risked nothing by at least trying.
YN: Do you think it's possible to get an audience with her? D-Do we have time to? —I guess is a better question.
Rem: When Rem inquired about the details of our journey, the guardsmen mentioned they would need to rearrange the cargo to better accommodate more goods, so they would be a while longer then expected before we left.
YN: I guess that works out.
Offering Rem a hand, YN locked eyes with her.
YN: Let's go try one last thing. We have nothing to lose by trying.
Rem: If YN-kun believes it is worth trying, Rem will gladly accompany him.
Walking across the cobblestone street, hand in hand, the two tried their luck with the woman in red YN had only met a few days prior, hoping somehow, they could barter for some much needed support.
After approaching the gates, a young boy with pinkish hair had ventured out of the main door of the Manor to greet them. Bending over, Rem had spoken softly to the youngling and had asked him if he would be kind enough to fetch someone whom they could speak to in regard to "some business."
In reply the boy had mentioned Aldebaran, Priscilla's own "knight" who was backing her, and set off in a hurry to go retrieve him, perhaps wishing to be as useful as he could in the most innocent, childlike way.
Standing back up straight, Rem smiled warmly as their newfound emissary ran off. Finding her reaction cute though, YN inquired about it.
YN: You look rather happy.
Putting a hand to her cheek and cooing, Rem slightly blushed up.
Rem: Rem just found him to be very adorable is all. It makes her heart quiver because it reminds her how adorable our children will be.
YN: —!
Caught off guard by Rem's boldly said words, YN's face also turned red in reply.
Lightly tapping the end of his nose with fingertip though, Rem smiled even more widely, proud of herself to be able to tease the one who held her heart so. Turning to stand next to him again however, her smile became somewhat hollow, as it became a mask to cover her own inner worries.
Should something terrible happen in this loop however, Rem—, this, Rem will never see such a happy future together though.
While the idea pained her, she knew that in order for it to someday become a reality someway, she knew she had to be as useful as she could in her current capacity.
Rem must make it so that [Rem] can one day experience that. If not only for someone who holds YN-kun in her heart just like Rem does, but because Rem at least wants YN-kun to know such a happy future was possible because of things this Rem was able to do for him.
As her continued feelings for his happiness drove out the cold encroachment of dread that would smother her heart, the hot embers that was her acceptance of simply being a means to an end for her beloved's future would always reignite her.
Much like her truest and deepest feelings for him, she needed to keep such motivations to herself.
While YN knew how special he was to her, for her to ever speak words of love to him would surely drive him away.
And while YN also knew Rem would always want to be remembered as a Particular Rem for her actions in letting [Rem] have a happy future for him, the same could be said if he ever learned just how tragically satisfied she would be to simply become a small stepping stone towards that goal. Because at the very least, even in the smallest capacity, it guaranteed a permanent place in his heart.
A place that by any small chance might be loved one day...
Putting a hand to her chest unconsciously, Rem's heart fluttered at the very idea.
Yet, thinking she was still simply amused over the idea of children, YN remained unaware of Rem's complex maiden heart.
Not a moment later however, the door of the mansion reopened, and out stepped the one armed, helmeted knight they had met just a few days prior.
Still adorned in his torn cloak and sporting his cleaver-style sword, he approached the front gate, and opened it to allow himself through.
But, to YN and Rem's lament, he closed it behind him, signaling they would not be given an audience with the woman in red.
Aldebaran: So, I heard you two were wantin' to speak to the Princess-sama.
YN: Yes, we would like to offer a trade if possible.
Aldebaran: Well, about that...
Scratching the back of his helmet, Al seemed to be hesitant to turn them away.
Aldebaran: I can give you the good news, or the bad news first.
YN: Is the bad news that she doesn't want to meet?
Nodding his metal head, Aldebaran confirmed.
Aldebaran: Yep. But the good news was that Princess-sama didn't seem all that serious, and was sort of vague when she asked me to 'cut you down' for trying to offer something you didn't have to trade.
Immediately snapping to attention, Rem stepped before YN with a worried sign on her face, not too keen on lightly taking a threat to the one who held her heart's life.
Rem: — — —
Aldebaran: Relax, relax, if I could I'd want Princess-sama to maybe reconsider what you're offering to trade. I know how valuable a car can be, but I gotta wait for Princess-sama to come around to that, if she ever does.
Going from worried to surprised at the drop of a hat, Rem and YN were both stunned to learn that Al knew what a car was.
Rem: How is it that Al-sama knows what a car is?
YN: Uh, more importantly, how did you know what we were willing to trade?
Answering YN first, Aldebaran took the easier of the two questions.
Aldebaran: Word gets around fast when you suddenly show up and cause a scene about wanting to trade stuff in regards to a Witch Cult attack. —And when Princess-sama saw you both walk up here empty handed, any interest she had immediately vanished.
YN: —tch
Damn, all these Candidates it seems have eyes and ears everywhere. It's just all so scummy...
Lamenting the fact that his proposal could be shot down so quickly, YN had completely forgotten Rem's own question until Aldebaran went to answer it.
Aldebaran: —As for me knowing what a car is, let's just say bro here and I weren't born so far away from each other as maybe what he thinks.
Shocked to hear that, YN picked his head back up and stared at the helmeted man with a new insight.
No way... is he—?
Rem: Al-sama is also from YN-kun's world then?
Putting his single hand on his hips, despite his face being covered, Aldebaran gave off an air of surprise of his own.
Aldebaran: Oh, so she does know?
Gesturing to her with his only thumb, he posed that question to YN.
YN: Yeah, and I'd like to keep it that way too...
First covering the idea that he'd like this kept secret still, Aldebaran simply shrugged in reply.
Aldebaran: Not like most folks wouldn't just call you crazy and a liar if you tried telling them, even if you showed them the car. She must really trust you if she actually believes you.
Looking back over to Rem, he finally answered her.
Aldebaran: —But yeah, I am from his world I think. My memories are really fuzzy to say the least, but I'd say I was born closer to where the other bro comes from. Me and him already talked about this though when he showed up with us to the Royal Conference.
Remembering Subaru had taken their carriage as a means of entering the Noble's District in the first place, YN felt that was something Subaru should have brought up between them, knowing they weren't the only wayward travelers to be brought into this world.
Aldebaran: Listen, as much as I'd love to stay and chat about Japan or Earth, any memories I have are fuzzy at best, and I'd like to head back inside before Princess-sama orders me to cut you down for real, so uhh, happy trails, I guess.
Lazily waving goodbye with his single arm, Aldebaran turned to Rem before heading back inside the gate.
Aldebaran: It was 'Ram,' right? Take care of him for me alright?
Gesturing to Rem, and incorrectly guessing her name, Aldebaran continued to close the gate as Rem sought to correct him.
Rem: Al-sama must have Rem confused with her Nee-sama.
Pausing as he closed the gate, Aldebaran turned his iron head back over his shoulder.
Aldebaran: Huh? No, you're Ram, you've gotta be.
Finding it odd Aldebaran would try and dictate who was who, YN figured it was best to let Rem explain it best.
I guess since they are twins it's not impossible people would mix them up every now and again... maybe Al-san here is just colorblind? Maybe it's the helmet obstructing his vision?
Rem: Rem has always been Rem, and Nee-sama has always been Ram. Has Al-sama by chance met Nee-sama somewhere before?
Using her skills in courtesy, Rem sought to give Aldebaran a way out of his mistake to save face, something she was trained to let her betters do if they were to be found wrong in their words.
Aldebaran: So let me get this straight, you're Rem, and you have a sister named Ram?
Rem: Yes, that is correct.
Aldebaran: — — —
Unsure of what this growing feeling was, YN felt as if he could feel an aura building up around them, like a foretelling gentle breeze before a strong tempest would blow across the lands.
Aldebaran: I hate to ask, but is your sister still alive?
Set back suddenly, Rem and YN were not at all prepared for such a loaded inquiry. While Rem was fully aware already that Ram had perished in the previous loop, and in less then two days time would again perish at the hand of the Witch Cult should help not reach them, Rem was left unsure how to respond to Aldebaran.
No, Rem has not yet felt what feels like distress from Nee-sama over our shared connection. But for Al-sama to also be from another world, and also to ask such an ominous question...
Searching inside herself, and knowing she needed to continue the facade she was not privy to Return By Death, Rem answered.
Rem: Nee-sama is very much alive... —!
Hearing her utter those words, YN felt the barrage of that coming tempest. An aura of malice and murderous intent seemed to overwhelmingly radiate from Aldebaran.
What the hell—!?
Made more ominous from the fact his face was concealed to them, Rem also felt this sensation, and once more fully stepped before YN, ready to shield him should anything happen.
Giving him a corner-eye look from the side her face was not visible from, Rem quietly called to him.
Rem: YN-kun...
YN: I feel it too...
Knowing they were fully aware of his aura now, Aldebaran snorted under his helmet, which signaled an end to his perceived intent.
Aldebaran: Don't worry, don't worry, I'm not dumb enough to do something stupid.
Scratching the back of his head again like nothing serious had just occurred, his voice went low again.
Aldebaran: —But, as I'm sure you can both tell, I'm feeling a bit cranky, so hurry up and go.
Ordering them to leave, Rem took the opportunity for an out immediately. Bowing, she spoke in her cold, formal tone, yet a sense of caution and alarm remained in it.
Rem: We would both like to thank Al-sama for taking the time to meet with us, perhaps we may discuss things with Priscilla-sama at a later date.
Taking YN firmly by the hand, Rem guided him back off to the relative safety of across the street, anywhere that wasn't near the one armed 'knight.'
Aldebaran: Got it. Safe travels.
Bluntly ending their conversation, the two were halfway across the street before YN still felt the continued aura of murder radiating. Moving slightly behind Rem, he would at least allow himself to be a meat shield should something still happen as they were only seconds away from the relative safety of across the street.
YN-kun no!
As Rem wished to immediately protest and pull him in front of herself by the hand she still held, her better judgment kept her moving forward with the status-quo.
Reaching the same carriage they were set to board, the two finally looked back to where they had just been, where the fleeting sense of urgency they still had originated from.
Gone from their view was the helmeted man, and with that, a sense of relief.
YN: What the hell was that all about...? Rem, have you or Ram ever —Hpmh!
Almost having the wind knocked out of him, Rem immediately buried her blue hair and face into his chest as she wrapped her arms around him.
Rem (muffled): Please don't ever put YN-kun's self in such danger for Rem again.
YN: Huh?
Surprised she would be so off put at the simple notion of standing between her and what he felt like was a legitimate source of danger, he questioned her reaction.
Taking her head out from his chest, her watery eyes and red face looked up at him.
Rem: It is one thing for Rem's Hero to want to protect her, but in the face of such a terrible feeling... Please allow Rem to shoulder that burden.
YN: Rem, are you really that worried about what you felt there?
Nodding her head, it seemed difficult for her to describe, but she did her best anyway.
Rem: It felt much like it did the night Nee-sama lost her horn...
With that being all she could manage to say, YN guessed at what it was.
YN: It felt like a Witch Cult attack, is what you're saying?
Rem: ... Rem is unsure now...
Obviously being a painful memory for her, especially given what was going to be happening soon if they were unable to do anything to prevent it, all YN could do is hold Rem tight in his arms and console her.
YN: This all does feel rather... sudden? I guess that's the best word I can use to describe it.
Rem: Especially with the very similar things Rem is feeling right now, learning that Al-sama is also from the same world YN-kun is from, and that he asked about Nee-sama... It all feels so very sudden...
YN: And it all feels a little too closely related to not correlate at all. There's gotta be some connection to it all... There's gotta be...
Rem: Rem feels uncertain of that... Something like this would have reared its head earlier to YN-kun had that been the case.
YN: Are you saying we shouldn't count Al as someone we should look into as a potential enemy here? Or someone who's contributing to what's going to happen?
Rem: For now, yes. We shouldn't focus on the danger that is behind us now...
Looking over her shoulder as she said that, back to across the street where they had felt that terrible, murderous aura, Rem continued.
Rem: —rather, we should focus on what is ahead. The safety of the Arlem, of Nee-sama, and Emilia-sama is much more pressing.
YN: I have to agree. We need to think about how we have to do so much with so little.
Holding the maid in his arms tightly, YN continued to embrace her as the time to board their carriage drew near.
We're going to need to use every minute of our time as wisely as we can from here on out. If the Witch Cult attacks us while we're evacuating, that'll be worse than if they attacked under with the full element of surprise.
With much on his mind, he steeled himself what was set to come.
I promise Rem, I'll make sure Ram is safe. Don't you worry.
With little room to themselves, YN and Rem sat in the loaded down carriage bound for Fleur. They shared their space with a great deal of rations, logistical equipment, medical supplies, but most tellingly—
This is a lot of weapons...
Spears, maces, swords, lances, shields. The carriage they were in was mostly delivering a large cache of weapons it seemed.
Just what is Crusch doing moving this much weaponry out to Fleur of all places?
Recalling how she had mentioned she was taking on a big threat to the Kingdom, YN could only assume this was what she had meant.
If she's moving them out of the Capitol, it can't be for a coup, so that's out of the question...
But as for the truth of the matter, it remained unknown to YN and Rem, for even asking the driver of the carriage garnered them no answers. "I just get paid to move it. I don't ask questions."
And, as agreed, they were let off in Fleur, right as they entered the town, no less.
Driver: This is your stop.
Disembarking, Rem and YN watched the carriage loaded down with iron and steel rumble away deeper into the town before it rounded a corner down another throughway, leaving their sight.
YN: Thank you, Crusch-sama, for your esteemed kindness in letting us be stowaways on your resupply carriage.
Gawking at the "favor" they'd been giving, Rem smiled weakly at YN, knowing he was frustrated, but wished he would look at the brighter side of things.
Rem: Without it however, we would still be many days of walking away from here.
Kicking the dirt and knowing she was right, YN didn't want to sully the truth Rem saw.
YN: Yeah... Still.
Pushing out the distracting thoughts of what was fair or not, and how he viewed the Candidates still, he opted instead to focus on what they needed to do now.
YN: Crusch said we'd have better luck finding transportation the rest of the way from here. So let's hunt that down.
With a fist in his palm, YN planned their next move.
Rem: If YN-kun would like to check, there should be a circle just on the outside of town on the opposite side where traveling merchants tend to rest for the last leg of travel before the Capitol. If we are lucky, we may find someone willing to take us to Arlem, or at the very least, closer.
Nodding in agreement, YN concurred.
YN: Let's start there then, that sounds like our best chance.
Heading off, hand in hand, YN and Rem proceeded to the opposite end of Fleur, where the road split between the detour they were forced to take the first time they had driven through, and the main Lifaus Highway that went straight to where they needed to go.
After a short walk, the two arrived just outside of the opposite end of Fleur. With the sun setting in the west, the sky before them drifted out across vast plains beyond the town and was painted a vibrant orange, with highlights of pink and gold. The town's buildings hid the last remnants of the sun's direct light as it cast a long shadow across the land that reached out to the large dirt circle where the merchants had pulled their carriages into a large caravan group.
Many of the merchants were getting ready to spend the night where they were camped. As small campfires were lit and chatter was made, many had begun to set out gurgling, crackling cauldrons of soups and other foods for their evening meals.
Approaching the group, Rem and YN were hesitant on where to start exactly. How would they go about choosing which merchant to ask for passage ahead to Arlem? Should they find one who isn't set up yet for the night? Or perhaps one that simply looked approachable?
As the two observed, there was a trio of carriages that had seemed to arrive not long ago, stragglers of the larger group perhaps. With Rem and YN both silently feeling like they were their best bet, they had taken a single step forward to approach them before YN stopped.
Turning back to see what had drawn his pause, Rem looked at where his eyes were facing.
Over to the side, almost separate from the other merchants, was a single, shabby looking carriage with a single ground dragon at its helm.
Looking over it, Rem couldn't tell what was drawing YN's attention to it, but he certainly did.
That's the same carriage that was outside the mansion in the last loop...
Without a doubt, it was. YN recognized its shape and accompanying ground dragon as the same ones he'd seen in front of the Mansion, which when he had seen them then, they had also had an air of familiarity to them. However he still couldn't put his finger on where he'd seen them originally, until—
Rem: Oh, is that—?
YN: Hey, Otto-san.
Emerging from inside the carriage, the green hatted merchant jumped down with some feed for his ground dragon as YN called out. Looking to his left and right, Otto seemed surprised that someone was calling for him of all people, and couldn't understand where it was coming from at first.
Otto: O-Oh! Hello!
Handing the feed off to the ground dragon, Otto turned to greet the two approaching him.
Otto: Ah, if it isn't Rem-san, and YN-san. What brings you two out this way?
Definitely surprised to see two faces he'd seen only a few days prior at the Capitol, Otto was kind enough to recall their names.
YN: We're actually looking to buy some transportation. We need to get to the village of Arlem as quickly as possible.
Caught off guard by their goal, the gray haired young man put a hand to his chin in thought.
Otto: Transportation, huh? It's not uncommon for merchants to pick up travelers if they're willing to pay their way and they have the space, but for you two to seek out transportation from a band of merchants all the way out here... things are really getting messed up in the Capitol, aren't they?
Saying what YN and Rem knew to be true, it seemed Otto was already well aware of the lack of carriages being available.
YN: Yeah, we only barely got as far as here, but our ride wouldn't take us any further.
Otto: Hmm, that is frustrating. Most of us here recently left the Capitol, some without selling much of their goods at all, but some really cleared out with what they had chosen to buy and sell. We were going to camp here and then perhaps split up. Those of us who didn't have good luck in the Capitol were going to try heading closer to Kararagi, and those who did do well were going to stick around and try a repeat of their previous endeavors.
Saying that weakly, it drew Rem's attention into finding out just what side Otto himself was on in that conundrum.
Rem: Where would that leave Otto-san? Did he fair well in selling his goods?
Grimacing and scratching the back of his head, Otto seemed to have recalled things he'd rather forget for the day.
Otto: I... probably had it the worst of anyone else.
Pulling the canvas covering to the side to show us inventory, he explained his situation with a tinge of embarrassment on his voice.
Otto: I bought up all this oil from a nearby dealer at what I thought was a good deal, but no one told me there was already an overabundance in the Capitol...
YN: So you're in a pretty hard spot.
Otto: *Sigh* You could say that.
Letting the canvas fall back into place, Otto sat on a small upright cut piece of log used for splitting kindling he must have set out.
Otto: If I can't sell it I'm done as a merchant! I'll be bankrupt!
Seeing this was weighing heavily on his mind, Rem could see the gears turning in YN's mind as this quickly turned into an opportunity for them both.
YN: Otto.
Getting the merchants undivided attention, his serious tone snapped him to.
Looking back to Rem, she could tell what he was asking for.
Pulling it out from their supplies, was the burlap sack filled with coins Roswaal had entrusted Rem with for emergency expenditures. While not enough to secure a band of mercenaries or even a carriage in the Capitol for how high in demand they were, it was just enough to coax a caravan of merchants into some leg work.
Nodding to YN with the money in her hand, and the approval of his impromptu plan, she handed it to YN.
YN: I want to buy all that oil, and hire you, and anyone else willing to rent out space in their carriages.
Being in the midst of a merchant caravan circle however, once Rem had pulled the sack of money out, the muted clink of coin had drawn most of the nearby merchants attention right in on them. Least to say, Rem did not need to speak loudly to announce their proposition to anyone who was already listening in.
Rem: Anyone who is willing, please assist us in our mission.
Older Merchant: Yeah we're listen'. Just whatcha trying to buy though?
As more and more merchants approached, interested in the business prospect, YN turned to face them, while also keeping his address to Otto going.
YN: Transportation. We're moving people and we'll need all the help we can get.
Otto: P-People?! YN-san... you didn't seem like the kind to dabble in *gulp* slavery...
YN: It's nothing dark like that. We need an entire village and a few VIPs moved under the discretion of Margrave Roswaal L. Mathers. We're paying top dollar— er, top coin to get it done as quickly as possible.
At the announcement of his job and the pay rate, YN was left with no shortage of volunteers for his endeavor. With resounding success, and a few more minor details hammered out, the settling merchant caravan was brought back into motion, eager to earn money.
Maybe, just maybe we can turn things around now! I have to keep my own promise to save Ram, and that's what I'm going to do!
With the rumble of the carriage they were in subsiding as the ground dragon's Divine Protection kicked in, Rem, YN, and Otto were treated to a smoother ride as them, and the rest of the merchants headed out across the Lifaus Highway to reach the village of Arlem.
Otto: We should be entering the Mathers Domain right before sunrise at this pace.
YN: Sounds good. I hope the pay is worth a midnight run though.
Otto: More than. For many of the merchants this is a very lucrative job with little risk or cost involved. You're even buying all of my oil! For that I'd ride for three days and nights nonstop!
Nodding as he understood the sentiment of desperation, YN looked out ahead on the road. With themselves being loaded up in the carriage that had taken point, the open road was before them.
A low, knee-height midnight fog was rising up off the long grass that went on for a considerable distance in both directions from the side of the road. The fog seemed dense, but ultimately natural since it hovered everywhere but the dirt road.
YN had been told in the first loop about the thick mist that would descend on the Lifaus Highway, and how that had shut down the route. He remembered approaching the closed road, and how it appeared as if the largest clouds you'd normally see in the daytime had descended straight down from the heavens.
I don't think that's set to happen until tomorrow anyway. Besides, if all these experienced travelers aren't thinking much of it, neither will I.
Rem: YN-kun.
With a tap on the shoulder, Rem garnered YN's attention from behind. Sat next to Otto on the driver's bench, he craned his neck around to give the beautiful blue haired maid his full attention.
YN: What's up?
Rem: Rem would like to check the map to see how much further we are to the village. Once we reach the Flugel Tree, Rem will accurately know where we are.
YN: Oh, sure. I think it's down here, gimme a second.
Taking his phone from his pocket, YN swiped down from the top and activated the flashlight function. Shining it down to his feet so he could more than just their silhouette against the light of the full moon, he located the rolled up map.
YN: There ya go. Take the phone too, so you can see.
Being given a small kiss on the cheek for his effort, Rem thanked him.
Rem: Rem is very thankful for YN-kun's trust with his possessions.
Merchant: That's one fancy metia you've got there.
Having moved up beside them on the side YN sat on, one of the older, more experienced merchants matched their pace. But having seen the "metia" YN possessed and finding it intriguing, he questioned it.
YN: O-Oh, that? It's nothing special. Just a little handheld torch really...—
Rem: —This is much more than just a light source. It is able to store a countless amount of information and books, capture moments in time as small paintings, and can even string together many paintings to show movement, all while it records the sounds being heard. And on the topic of sounds, It can play an entire symphony, and—!
YN: Rem! Rem. I think uhh, he gets the point.
Otto: Still, that sounds really impressive.
Taking the key opportunity to boast about YN's cell phone, Rem had perhaps gotten it a bit too far with her tellings, and had left the merchant somewhat starstruck.
Simply blinking in response, the merchant eventually scratched the back of his head as he replied.
Merchant: Ya know, I was maybe thinking about shooting you an offer for that once I saw it, but I don't think all of our money combined would be enough to buy that thing for what it's worth.
Only able to smile weakly in response to the stunned merchant, Rem interrupted them.
Rem: There! We have arrived at it.
Pointing out into the distance, YN could barely make it out, but out there was indeed—
Otto: Flugal's Tree. We're about halfway there now.
Still surprised at its magnitude, YN couldn't shake the feeling it still gave him.
YN: Sure is something, isn't it?
Gesturing towards the side where the other merchant rode on his own carriage, YN was met by an odd silence.
YN: What was it like the first time you saw the tree—
Turning to his side and speaking more just in case the merchant was either also struck by the sight of the gargantuan tree, or maybe just hadn't heard YN, he was even more surprised to see the merchant was gone.
Perplexed, he shifted about on the bench to peer over the side and look to see if the merchant had fallen back suddenly, hopefully without encountering some sort of issue.
YN: What? Where did he go...?
Otto: Umm, YN-san, you didn't drop your metia did you?
YN: No, no. The merchant—, your companion who was just beside us, where did—
Otto: Huh? We're leading the way right now to our destination under Rem-san's navigation... Why would anyone else follow up from behind us?
YN: Well, he didn't pass us, he just came forward to speak a bit...
Otto: Hmm, maybe I just hadn't overheard you two speaking.
YN: What? That's impossible, you chimed in too.
Putting a finger to his chin, it seemed Otto was wracking his mind trying to recall something from only a few moments ago.
With remembrance of his own they weren't the only ones talking to the ghosted merchant, YN turned around to ask the one he trusted the most.
YN: Rem, certainly you remember?
Giving him an uneasy look, Rem didn't quite know how to respond. Her trust in him to never doubt a word he said was conflicted with her own direct short term memory.
Rem: — — —
As Rem smelled the air rather after a short period of speechlessness, after it seemed Otto had fully returned his attention to the road, Rem took the opportunity to get YN's attention with her soft words.
Rem: YN-kun, on the map here, do you see this?
Louder than normal, Rem approached the side opposite of Otto from YN, completely ignoring the question he had asked of her on if she too recalled the other merchant or not.
YN: Rem, I asked if—
Hushing him with a finger, Rem continued to speak with more force than she maybe needed.
Rem: Here, right here.
Pointing to a random place on the map, she leaned in, resting her chest on YN's shoulder as she whispered in his ear.
Rem (whisper): Rem did not smell the Witch's Scent, meaning she is guessing a Return has not occurred.
Starting off by saying that, YN knew that was an indication that while she wholeheartedly believed there was another merchant they had all spoken to, her own memories did not reflect that.
To say the least, it not only perplexed them both, but also troubled them. And with Rem ruling out a Return had occurred, and YN nodding to confirm that, that perplexity and troubledness grew.
But, unable to speak much more on the matter with Otto, an outsider, just within casual earshot, Rem could only exchange a glance of "I will be ready for anything" to the one who held her heart.
With her confidence, YN nodded in reply, and was forced to simply put the oddity on the back burner for now.
Going back into silence, the trio rode on for a few more minutes, and instinctively, YN checked his phone, just as they were passing the closest part of the Flugel Tree the road got to. Simply seeing the time, he figured it may have matched up with how late it felt by sheer coincidence alone, knowing it was far from ever being an accurate time ever again.
Are days here even exactly the same length as they were in the old world?
Idle thoughts filling his mind once more, the silence was finally broken by Otto, commenting on their surroundings.
Otto: The fog is getting thicker the farther we go along. If we weren't alone, this wouldn't be as spooky, would it?
Trying to find some nervous camaraderie in YN, he first thought to make small talk in reply, but exactly what Otto had just said made him nearly start reconsidering his own sanity. Testing the waters with a response, YN waited with baited breath for the gray haired merchant to reply.
YN: Good thing we've got a whole caravan of merchants behind us, huh?
Otto: Hmm?
Confused as to how YN could say something so odd, Otto tilted his head as he paused his own reply, only building the mounting anxiety he felt as he awaited the results of his hypothesis.
If he thinks we're alone all of sudden...
Otto: YN-san, I think you're mistaken, I'm the only merchant who agreed to your proposal. The other handful of merchants stayed behind in Fleur...
Not good.
Snapping around to face Rem, she could immediately tell from his expression something was wrong.
Otto: YN-san, are you well? Twice now you've thought we're not alone...
Standing up, YN remained looking at Rem, unable to think of what he should do. One merchant being gone could be excused as an accident to YN, but he knew at the very least, they had convinced almost the whole of the caravan of merchants to accompany them, with only "a handful" having stayed behind.
YN: This isn't right...
Speaking to both Rem and Otto as he said that, Rem stiffened up, while Otto only sunk deeper into confusion.
Otto: W-What do you mean?
Rem: YN-kun...
YN: Otto, are you truly saying you don't remember the entire caravan of merchants that should be accompanying us, right behind us, leading them to our destination?
Otto: —?
Tilting his head in reply, the merchant was dumbstruck.
Otto: A 'whole caravan?' The group I was with could hardly be considered a troop... Did you get the wrong idea about what you hired me to do? There was only me and a few others, and like I said, I'm the only one who agreed...
The look YN gave Rem just after Otto said that conveyed everything she needed to know. Again while it didn't coincide with her own memories, she knew that YN would have correctly remembered what had occurred, she trusted him and would not doubt him.
Putting a hand to his, YN was just as perplexed as Otto currently was.
Why is it only me who remembers... Rem clearly doesn't...
As he searched his own memories for clues, the fog they entered became much more thick.
Otto: I don't like how thick this fog is... It's becoming a lot like a certain mist...
Losing the moon's light front the density of the fog, or mist rather now, it became much darker all around them. As the ominous aura that was descending all around them multiplied, YN once more looked out to the side of the carriage where the original missing merchant had been.
Why is this happening...?
While he couldn't explain it, he still felt a "presence" of sorts to that side of him.
Taking his phone back out, YN sought to shine the light of his phone out into the mist to see if it couldn't possibly cut through the blinding thickness of it.
As light radiated outward, rather than a cloud of what be shown, a smooth, natural surface could be seen.
YN: —?
It was textured and organic appearing. Like it was a living wall of alabaster flesh flying alongside the carriage.
Going unnoticed initially by Rem, whose vision was blocked by the canvas cover of the carriage, and Otto who was too busy observing the road, it was only YN who was staring at this flesh covered sail in the wind.
But seeing he was transfixed on something, Rem stepped forward, wondering what it was he was looking at.
Moving not a muscle though, all YN could do was stare.
Until—
YN: —hk!
—he was stared back at.
Rem: YN-kun?
Meeting his two eyed gaze, was a single eye. Larger than Rem.
Larger then he was.
Even larger than the carriage he rode in.
Dropping his phone in fear, what little light there still remained from the moon caught the gargantuan glass textured organ, keeping it visible to YN.
On pure instinct, and against the current condition of his Gate, YN built mana in his palm and—
YN: —Jiwald!
Otto: Wha-ha—?!
Rem: YN-kun! E-ha—!
Hitting him before the impact against the carriage did, an immense pain radiated from his abdomen, like he'd been stabbed by a phantom dagger, and with it came a clouded consciousness, struggling to overcome passing out.
As his weak Yang magic reached the eye, its owner no doubt retaliated. Bleating out like a siren, not a second later was an explosion heard and felt. Impacting them with a great force, the ground and carriage erupted into a thousand pieces, sending all of its occupants and the towing ground dragon flying away.
But as he was airborne, YN's conscious mind, now well and truly only moments from passing out from the combined trauma and Gate exhaustion, saw the light of his dropped phone illuminate one last thing before his vision truly went dark.
R-Rem...
Spiraling, the light of his phone highlighted the beautiful azure shade of blue that always calmed his nerves and brought him peace.
With weightlessness in his airborne state compelling his mind to let go, YN fully passed out.
A/N: Author-san has been very busy with his move into his new house, so my writing on Arc 4 has slowed, but I just got through to the point where a certain someone takes their first Trial.
Anyway, thank you all again for your support and your reviews and your votes and your kudos you leave on my chapters, it really means a lot to me. I hope you all have a good turkey day if you're doing that next week. :)