Chapter 102: Pushing Herself
Having arrived leading the reinforcements for the mercenary company, The White Fang, a warband under the tutelage of Anastasia Hoshin, Julius (whom for some reason preferred to be referred to as "Juli" for this excursion) met with those who were gathered nearby.
Commencing with some light banter with Subaru, it seemed to YN that the Knight's opinion of the self proclaimed variety had changed quite literally, overnight.
It must be due to Subaru organizing and helping to slay the Whale... It seemed to earn him a lot of credibility from Crusch, so I guess it's not a large stretch of the imagination.
But as he left to regroup and assist with the aftermath of the battle, Rem too, was called away for higher purposes.
I gave Rem a good bit of my mana... But she still seemed exhausted...
Knowing the blue haired oni possessed healing magic, Felix had asked for her assistance in healing and treating the wounded. While any injury on site could be easily handled by the best healer in the kingdom, Felix Argyle the Blue, it was time he was most worried about. If Rem could attend to the less serious ones before things like infection or worse set in, it would free him up to work on more serious cases.
And with much needed supply and know-how of what to do in a post-battle scenario, Crusch had called Juli and the rest of the White Fang to assist where they could.
This of course meant that Subaru and YN were left with nothing to do but sit around with their thumbs up their—
Subaru: —Ass. I can't believe he thinks he can stroll in here like nothing ever happened.
Still reserved about Julius' presence, Subaru kicked the loose dirt that had been stirred up by some sort of magical impact from the battle. Having informed YN of what had occurred in the fight, and leading up to it with how he'd managed to gather the forces here, YN was impressed.
YN: Well, think about it this way, Crusch basically gave you free reign on bossing him around later.
Summarizing what Crusch had offered them, they each hoped it would be sufficient in thwarting the Witch Cult attack.
Subaru: We don't know yet if 'half of the remaining forces' means him though. I sure hope it doesn't...
Sour still, YN knew Subaru was going to be thick skinned about this to the bitter end.
But in their silence between words now, a faint, white light made its introductions to Subaru.
Subaru: Whaa—! What the hell?!
Trying to swat it away like a bug, Subaru was unable to match the agility of the spec of white light that danced around him.
YN: Oh, hey, perfect timing.
Subaru: Huh?
Stopping his freak out, Subaru was halfway through bringing his own hand down on his forearm, not unlike he was about to slap a mosquito.
Taking a closer look at the spec, Subaru could recognize what it was.
Subaru: Is... that what I think it is?
As YN held his hand out like a perch, the spirit retreated to his palm.
YN: A spirit? Yeah... It's news to me too. Subaru, this is Algol. Algol, Subaru.
Dancing back over to Subaru, the spirit ran a few laps around his black hair before retreating out of sight again like it had earlier, somewhere behind YN.
Subaru: Is it... shy?
YN: I don't know what its problem is. It keeps doing this where it pops up randomly and then goes back into hiding. I think it's because I don't have a crystal for it yet.
Subaru: Ohh, sort of like Puck.
YN: Exactly. —Except, well, it's been with me since we both arrived. Remember when Reinhard pulled all the mana from the atmosphere in the loot house?
Subaru: Of course. Emilia-tan was all worried you were drowning in mana...
Jealous YN had gotten attention where he had not, Subaru tapped his foot.
YN: Well, I guess him pulling in all that mana could have pulled this spirit in by accident, meaning it would have died. So out of desperation, it clung onto and hitched itself to my Gate.
Subaru: And that's how your Gate got stretched, isn't it?
YN: Precisely. It's also why my mana control is so good and learning magic has been so easy.
Subaru: You always did play with handicaps on.
YN: Pfft, you wish.
Referring back to the day where the two had only known each other by their screen names, it jogged something in Subaru's mind.
Subaru: Hey, you said it's name was 'Algol,' right?
YN: Yeah I did, I meant to ask you about that. It's name is a star, isn't it? I only remember it being referred to as an unlucky one, am I recalling that right?
Asking the bonafide astrological expert, Subaru crossed his arms.
Subaru: Yeah, that's correct. Earlier astronomers also referred to it as the 'Demon Star' as well.
'Demon Star?' I guess Rem will like that...
While YN attributed "demon" to "oni" as he once did with Rem, Subaru looked up at the daytime sky and tried to imagine the constellations of their old universe from memory.
Subaru: It's supposed to represent the Gorgon in the tale of Perseus, —Medusa. Its severed head.
Listening intently as Subaru prattle on, he eventually shrugged as he looked back down to YN.
Subaru: I guess from the practical side of things too, it's a star system that fluctuates in its brightness. Military commanders of antiquity used to refuse to go to battle when its light was dim. A lot of terrible, bloody battles unfolded in relation to where it was in its brightness cycle. So it's got quite the reputation.
Unsure of how he should take in all that, Subaru turned to YN again with a more serious expression.
Subaru: Don't you think it's all sort of weird?
YN: Huh? What do you mean?
Subaru: We keep running into star related things.
YN: —? I mean, maybe?
Subaru: No, no. Think about it. First we met 'Aldebaran,' who claims he's also from our world but doesn't remember much of it, then we ran into that Witch Cult bigwig 'Petelgeuse,' and now you have a contracted spirit named 'Algol.'
Shaking his head, Subaru looked back to YN with a weaker look.
Subaru: Does that seem a little too coincidental?
YN: Is now a bad time to also mention you're named after a star as well?
Subaru: —tch.
Looking away in frustration, it seemed Subaru disliked being lumped into his own forming theory.
Subaru: I seem to recall your screen name also being somewhat star-related as well.
YN: —tsk.
Firing right back at YN, he at least felt grounds he could defend himself.
YN: T-That's only because my usual screen name was already taken... The game added that onto my name and like an idiot I didn't realize it had changed it.
YN recalled the game he had unwittingly met Subaru though, to which he had recognized YN by his screen name from, and had confirmed it himself that day in Mansion. YN was unable to change it from the moment it was set.
Subaru: Yeah, and there I was thinking you were also a fellow stargazer like myself, but I was bamboozled.
Pretending to fake cry and add unneeded dramatics, YN fired back.
YN: Yeah and you only talked to me first because of that, didn't you? Serious, you're obsessed sometimes...
Still finding the shock intense that it was Subaru of all people he had been bound to in this new world with Return By Death, it still felt surreal. And the phenomenon was equally as likewise for Subaru.
Subaru: Listen, I'm not saying there's some connection here, but we should be cautious about any other things, or people, named after stars from our old world, it might be a sign or something.
YN: Are you saying there's something bigger attached to us being here?
Subaru: All I'm saying is that we're two random people that were seemingly summoned to this world, each loosely knowing of one another, and each given an ability to cheat a permanent death to succeed in challenges thrown at us. Also star names are repeatingly obvious.
YN: — — —
While he didn't want to admit it, YN could see it from that point of view.
But, not being given much time to ponder it, the two were interrupted by a familiar face.
?: Hey! Hey! It's time to meet up! We've gotta meet up!
Running up to them, a short, orange haired demi-human girl enthusiastically approached, accompanied by a large, rather muscular wolf-looking demi-human. But also in tow, was the girl who held YN's heart.
Subaru: Oh, Mimi, right? And Ricardo.
Greeting the two members of Anastasia's camp, and key figures of the White Fang, Rem gallantly returned to YN's side and let the other three speak while she sought to be doted on by YN.
Rem: YN-kun, your Rem has returned again.
While the two had already been reunited once after being away from each other for so long, it had been cut short due to more pressing matters, but with the most immediate concerns tied up, Rem took great pleasure in knowing she could be by his side again.
But in that great pleasure, was also a great exhaustion.
Both Rem, YN, Subaru, and a lot of others had been up for at least a full day now, if not more. YN had driven a great distance after stopping the theft that threatened to leave Emilia nearly defenseless as the Witch Cult attack was set to begin, and Subaru had been awake for the entire battle with the White Whale. But it was Rem who now was clearly the most tired.
YN could see the tiredness in her eyes. He could feel her hand slightly tremble when it reached for his own, and he could tell by the way she spoke as well.
Rem had fought hard in the battle, keen on making it as successful as she could for YN's sake. Should he prevail, only to have things fail on her end, was unacceptable. Her oni heritage allowed to heal the wounds she had received in the battle, but of course this also came at the expense of energy and mana.
Not only had Rem managed all that, but she had just gotten through treating many of the injured from that same battle.
Truly, Rem was at the end of her rope.
And just as she was going to let herself lean on YN to give herself a much needed rest, the squeaky voice from the nearby conversation aimed itself at her.
Mimi: —our talented healing maid over here seems to be too tired to remember her responsibilities though.
Shaking her head and making her little cat ears flop about from the motion, it was Ricardo who spoke up in defense of Rem.
Ricardo: Hey now, you gotta cut the little lady some slack, she did such a good job at healing one of Crusch-sama's veteran-bros, he wrote that letter up for her, so it's no biggie at all.
While her exhausted state had caused her realization of what Mimi had meant to be delayed, it had also seemed to have caused her to be tunnel visioned earlier as well.
Rem: O-Oh! Rem must apologize!
Bowing in a way that almost made her lose her balance coming off from letting her weight fall on YN, Rem cursed her own foolishness under her breath.
Rem: Rem brings much shame to herself having neglected one of her responsibilities.
Both off-put by sudden and earnest apology, Ricardo once again, feeling guilt from seeing Rem be exerted so far, was the mature one in this case with his response.
Ricardo: You really shouldn't sweat it, the messenger was still able to leave on time to the Margrave's Mansion. No harm done. They'll definitely know what's at stake here.
Rem: Rem sees...
Her voice still shaky, it was obvious now to YN that Rem was desperately tired.
She gets tunnel vision when she's like this... She must have been wanting to see me the entire time so she forgot, which is also very much unlike her...
Almost as if answering his thoughts, Mimi chimed in again.
Mimi: Maybe you should accompany the person who wrote the letter for you and head back to the Capitol with the wounded like Ferri-chan suggested—
Rem: —No!
Again taking a lazy step back, YN was unsure if she meant to grab him, or had done so out of exhaustion. But with Rem firmly holding onto his arm, she refused to leave it, as if she was protecting it from something awful.
Rem: With so much danger ahead of us... Rem can not leave her YN-kun's side. It is not an option.
Defiantly stating her desire to stay, Ricardo could only shrug to Mimi.
Ricardo: I guess there's no use fighting it. But, the group is gathering now, so we should all join 'em'.
Gesturing for them to follow, Subaru, YN, and Rem all followed. But worried for Rem still, and knowing he couldn't dissuade her, YN tapped Subaru's shoulder as they approached the gathering circle, where all the parties seeking to combat the Witch Cult next sat, ready to discuss their next move.
YN: Hey, I'm going to take Rem somewhere to rest. Can you handle this without us?
Replying with a single nod and a thumbs up, Subaru obliged.
YN: Thanks. Rem—
Taking her soft and gentle hand, YN guided Rem away from the three before they took their spot in the circle. Segregating themselves behind a wall of empty ground dragon carriages that were set to be used to take the wounded back to the Capitol, YN and Rem were alone once more.
Sitting down on the back bumper of a wooden coach, Rem slumped in exhaustion as she wiped some sweat from her forehead.
At the same time, YN grabbed a nearby bucket and flipped it over, choosing to rest on that nearby Rem.
YN: Are you sure you're okay Rem? I can tell how tired you are...
Shaking her head and sitting up slightly to counter the image YN was seeing, Rem lightly tapped her own face to wake herself up more.
Rem: Rem is very tired, yes. But she must persevere at this time. She knows her YN-kun is concerned for her well-being and she is very touched by that. Rest must come later though. Right now, it is YN-kun who still needs to lean on Rem. Afterwards, she will lean on him.
Rem articulated her argument in a way to keep YN from voicing what was certainly going to be his own reasoning, the mention of their promises to each other.
Defeated, YN could only do what he could.
YN: *Sigh* Alright, you win. Is there at least anything I can do to help you feel more refreshed?
Taking off her black dress shoes as she answered, Rem slumped her posture further as she laid back.
Rem: Just being in YN-kun's calm presence is all Rem could ask for.
But, perhaps seeing a way he could make her feel better, YN brought the maid's stocking covered feet onto his lap, and began to rub them gently.
There were small holes worn in the fabric that covered her soles, perhaps where Rem had put her weight on her feet while her shoes were on. While it was unlikely she would wear worn stockings, YN assumed they must have formed during the intense battle with the Whale, from lots of running, jumping, and landing.
Looking up her legs though, there were many spots on her stockings that were torn or about to tear open. Little circles of her fair skin poked through, slightly bulged from the tension they still provided over her skin.
She really fought hard. In just one fight she wore her clothes so thin...
Seeing her face lose tension from the sensation of the massage though, Rem had closed her eyes.
Maybe I should let her nap in peace... It might be good for her.
Saying nothing more, YN took great joy in just seeing Rem relax for a change. In the shade of the coach before them, it's canvas top kept the morning sun's rays from disturbing Rem in her slumber, and with her legs still perched on YN's lap, who sat just off from her on the bucket still, he was given a prime view of just how beautiful the maid was.
I still can't get over how stunning she is...
As the oni rested, the slight morning breezes would still find their way to them, gently lifting a few strands of the azure hair on her head.
The members of the circle just past them conversed for a while, discussing what must be accomplished. After some debate and skepticism on how Subaru was so informed, ultimately, everyone chose to believe him, being a master in charisma when he absolutely needed to be. There was talk how the Witch Cult had never been cornered like this, or had been so dutifully scouted, but all were eager to be a part of this raid.
As the circle broke up, and everyone made for their own method of transportation, YN took the boarding of the coach Rem was still asleep on as a queue that it was time to go. Gently scooping her up, YN held the maid in his arms like she usually seemed to do for him.
YN: Hmm...
Woefully, YN pondered an idea in his mind before shaking his head at it.
I could pretty easily leave Rem in one of these carriages set to return to the Capitol. She could get the rest I know she needs, but...
No. There was no way he could do that.
The safest place for Rem to be is by my side. If I left her here knowing how important it was she wanted to come as well, that would be a monumental beach of trust. I won't do that to her. Rem deserves someone in her life she can trust no matter what, and I'm that person.
Choosing to carry the slumbering oni back to his car instead, YN joined the crew headed towards the village of Arlem and it's surrounding area, keen on performing this raid against the Witch Cult.
In the convoy, Subaru had been riding out alongside YN as he drove his car with Rem asleep in the passenger seat next to him. But moving on ahead, riding next to Subaru now was Julius of all people. With YN behind them, accompanied by the sounds of all the motions, his engine, and his windshield being in the way, he was not privy to what they were discussing.
Seemingly awakening from the increase in sound as YN rolled his window down to try and hear, Rem rubbed her eyes.
Rem: Did Rem—?
YN: Fall asleep? Yes. Good morning, beautiful.
Raising her arms up high and her legs out low, Rem stretched as wide as she could in the passenger seat.
YN: If you don't look quick, you'll miss it.
Giving her eyes one last rub, Rem looked out of the front where YN was pointing.
Rem: Is that Subaru-kun and Julius-sama?
YN: Yep.
Rem: Did Rem wake up from an argument going on?
Assuming the confrontation between Knight and self proclaimed Knight was going bad, Rem's groggy voice had an air of worry to it.
YN: Nope. I think it's the opposite. They're making up.
Rem: Could Subaru-kun truly be willing to do so?
YN: If Julius strokes his ego enough on defeating the Whale, sure.
Looking at Subaru, Rem shook her head in disbelief still.
Rem: Even though it was Rem who was present for it all, she is still surprised at how such a powerful alliance could be so masterfully woven by words alone. Rem truly is amazed at how powerful of an ability reattempting time can be. While she will never know it, Emilia-sama no doubt has the most powerful 'Knight' in the entire Selection, if not the world.
While YN knew it was true as well, and that's why it should be Subaru who is her Knight, he playfully bantered to Rem about her words.
YN: Ouch, Rem. Such praise for another may be the death of your Hero.
At first worried she had hurt him, her face quickly rested upon seeing his own jeering expression to her. Smiling and speaking softly in reply, Rem figured her Hero also deserved praise.
Rem: It is YN-kun who forgets as to why Rem views him as her Hero. Despite not fully controlling the Ability, it was still YN-kun's choice to risk his own continued existence for Rem. And despite perhaps being able to sway anyone's heart, it was Rem's he sought, even despite all the terrible things that occurred.
YN: Rem...
While her heart still felt guilty over them, she wasn't going to let it affect her at this very moment, but she didn't need YN's worry over her feelings either.
Rem: It was YN-kun too, who decided to let her still be aware of everything that has unfolded. Rem is sure he had every opportunity to undo her finding out about what happens upon Death, but instead he chose to bring her along, and keep her by his side.
Reaching across the car, Rem grabbed a hold of his hand, and held it.
Rem: YN-kun chose Rem to be his companion through any number of horrific and terrible things he might have to face. And throughout everything, he has never abandoned his Rem to see things through. He's always made sure she is alive and well at the end of the day. Every time, YN-kun has saved his Rem from terrible fates.
Squeezing his hand, Rem finished her words through held back tears.
Rem: YN-kun has been Rem's Hero so many times for no reason other than he chose her, nothing else will ever compare.
Leaning in, Rem gently kissed YN's cheek.
Rem: That is why no matter what Subaru-kun accomplishes for Emilia-sama, or anyone else for any number of other people, Rem will always see her YN-kun as her truest Hero.
Having one last touching moment between themselves, the two rode closer to their destination, where trouble, and Witch Cultists surely awaited them.