A/N: Hello everyone! Thank you all for your responses last chapter to my question! I'm very glad to hear everyone's reception to Algol was well received. I had them planned into the story since the dawn of it's inception, but I figured just giving the reader a spirit right away was too cliche. I'm also glad everyone is onboard with the reader not being some sort of magical prodigy. While he's a bit more adept for a beginner, he's still clearly a novice and inexperienced, not to mention his body isn't entirely used to using magic yet, having come from a non-magical world.

I have big plans later on for Algol, so I hope you'll all continue to them.

Anyway, here's this week's chapter! After this next chapter (105), the next two were some of my absolute favorite to write ever. I hope you all will enjoy them.

Chapter 104: Do You Enjoy Flowers?

Subaru: He's... He's really dead, isn't he?

As the Sword Demon meticulously cleaned his bloodied sword with a white linen, Subaru and Felix inspected the deceased Archbishop as he laid on the ground, cut clean through his abdomen as if an ill-aimed guillotine had been the culprit.

Felix: As the Kingdom's best healer, I can very much assure you he is dead.

Worried the Archbishop would spring back to life, the two young demi-humans took a closer look at the madman's belongings. With a few wry comments from Subaru about looting the dead, and an apology to Wilhelm for using such underhanded tactics, the Sword Demon told him to pay it no mind, as his "honor had been tarnished a long time ago."

But with Tivy finding the black book the Archbishop had been reading out of just prior to his death, Subaru mentioned what it was.

Tivy: Huh?! Meeew! I touched it!

Tossing the book aside as if he were stained from it, Subaru picked it up and flipped a few pages before turning it to Felix.

Subaru: Hey Ferris, this might be a few grades over my reading level, can you tell me what this says?

Felix: Ahh! Don't just point that thing willy-nilly!

Shielding his eyes from the sight, Felix acted just as repulsed as Tivy had been from touching it.

He's a healer right? Isn't he not supposed to be squeamish around stuff?

Finding their reactions odd, YN felt Rem hold his hand tighter.

Standing off together in the shade while Subaru and the others looked for any clues or information, YN and Rem decided to remain uninvolved.

Subaru: This book can't be that dangerous...

Felix: Subawu, you really shouldn't try and do something as stupid as read a Gospel!

Certainly disturbed by it, it was Wilhelm who stepped in to explain that a Gospel was the sign that one was a member of the Witch Cult, and that they revere the books as holy scripture.

Thumbing through a few more pages, Subaru gestured to YN nearby, knowing he probably didn't have the same stigma everyone else had about reading it.

Subaru: You wanna take a crack at reading it?

Taking a step forward, he was kept in place by Rem's firm hand hold still. Hesitant, Rem remained in place as YN looked back at her, a worried look on her face.

Accurately guessing why she was this way, YN posed to her one simple question.

YN: Will it upset you if I try to read it?

Looking down at her feet as they fidgeted, Rem thought of what her true feelings were.

If YN-kun reads that and becomes radicalized...

Worried her beloved may turn to the Witch Cult after seeing a Gospel, Rem shook her head.

No! Rem must trust YN-kun. He too has suffered at the hands of the Witch Cult like Rem has now. His hate is as ingrained as Rem's own. She must trust her YN-kun no matter what. To be worried about him viewing the text is the same as doubting him, which Rem must never do again!

Rem: No. Please forgive Rem's hesitation, YN-kun deserves her utmost trust.

Patting the oni's soft and smooth hair to reassure her, and let her know he appreciated her trust, YN turned and took the little black book.

Opening it up though, he was disappointed.

YN: I mean, I don't think I'm any better at reading than you, but if it's not the back section of blank pages, it's a bunch of weird squiggly lines going everywhere. There's not a Glyph to be found here.

Still wanting to be sure this wasn't a script they each just weren't familiar with, YN turned to Rem who had moved next to his side again.

YN: Do you want to take a gander?

Offering Rem the book to look at, had she not voiced such a trust for him, and had she not have previously mentioned to him her lingering guilt knowing YN now too had experienced trauma from the Witch Cult, he would not have felt comfortable asking her to look for herself.

Carefully taking the book, Rem's face distorted into disgust as she only pinched the corners to minimize contact with the Gospel as much as possible.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the pages and thumbed around for only a few pages before relaxing her expression. Holding the book more firmly now, it appeared her distaste for holding it melted away as she examined its contents and realized it was no more than a book YN held normally as well.

Her face turned to one of confusion and concern as she flipped a few more pages. Finally responding to YN with a tint of slight embarrassment creeping into her voice from maybe overestimating the Gospel's intimidation, Rem spoke.

Rem: It is... unintelligible. If not just the scribbles of a child.

Shutting the book, Rem handed it back to Subaru.

Felix: —Rem-chan?! Aren't you—?!

Rem: Rem is fine, Ferris-sama. It is as YN-kun says, it is little more than a simple book.

Fully dispelling any fear or apprehension to the Gospel, Rem felt she had won a victory over the Witch Cult.

In the end, they are just cruel, twisted people. Rem will not allow herself to be intimidated by such foolish notions. She will not let them yield that power.

As he realized he had no chance of getting anyone else to try reading the Gospel, Subaru simply tucked it away inside his inner tracksuit-jacket's pocket.

With a few comments being made on what they should do now that the Archbishop, the architect of the entire Witch Cult attack in the area, was now deceased, the decision was made to head back to the convoy and see how successful they had been in their exploits of setting out to find the other cells of Witch Cultists hiding out in the forest around Arlem.

But as Subaru made another fearful comment about being worried the madman would rise from the ground like a true lich, Mimi focused her staff in order to conjure up a fireball, large enough to engulf the Archbishop's cadaver. With the body incinerated, the matter was left at that.

Making contact with the convoy again, Julius informed the returning group how they had been successful in locating more dens, housing the Witch Cultists. After removing another two fingers of their own, it was decided that six should remain, as there were typically ten fingers on one person between their two hands.

As the convoy moved as one conscious unit once more, their combined forces on the way to Arlem had managed to eliminate another three hideouts, finding their locations along the way thanks to a combination of Rem's ability to smell them, as well as the Iron Fang's talented scouts.

With the pathway now littered with the slaughtered bodies of many hooded individuals, Felix had set about seeing if his abilities as the best healer could be exploited for getting information out of a not-dead-yet Witch Cultist.

Yet, failing to do so, Felix cursed himself.

Felix: Damn it! This one just bit the dust too!

Looking at the body in question as the demi-human was knelt down next to it, Wilhelm posed a question to him.

Wilhelm: For death to beat your healing... Did he take his own life?

Questioning just how his healing was unsuccessful, Felix nodded in reply.

Felix: I think so... They all have magic crystals embedded in their body to release poison if they should fall in battle and are captured, or about to be questioned.

Overhearing it, Subaru turned to YN and spoke.

Subaru: Like cyanide pills, huh?

Unsure if that were truly it though, the group had gone on to discuss other things, namely a conversation between Ricardo, Wilhelm, Mimi, and Felix on how well things were going. Neither Crusch's reinforcements, nor the Iron Fang had sustained any casualties so far in this counter-raid.

Looking to YN and Rem, Subaru decided to have their own conversation.

Subaru: It's kind of upsetting huh?

Rem: Does... does Subaru-kun mean he wishes a few of those in other camps had perished?

Thinking what he said was the inverse of the topic being discussed, Subaru shook his head and hands trying to correct the maid.

Subaru: No, no, no. I meant it's a shame we'll all go back to being enemies after this.

Somewhat agreeing with Subaru, that reality now presented itself to YN.

It's amazing how much cohesion can be had between these three camps... It's a shame we're not all on the same side.

?: My, it's surprising to hear you have the time to think that far ahead. Quite the luxury if you ask me.

Subaru: —gah!

Startled by the voice right behind him, having silently listened in, Subaru jumped.

YN: Oh, Julius.

Nodding to YN, Subaru barked at the knight.

Subaru: Ya know... With things going so well... I only maybe let my guard down for a sec—

Pausing his embarrassed words from being startled, a serious expression went across Subaru's face.

In the same second though, the sound of thumps, (or maybe drums?) returned to YN's hearing.

*ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum—*

The sound of many thumps overlapping each other's rhythm entered YN's head. Looking at Rem, it was clear she hadn't heard it yet again either. But only being given perhaps a second or less to humor the thought of where the sound was originating from, Subaru cried out.

Subaru: Everyone! Get down—!

Splintering out of the forest, around, through, and over the woodwork and brush, many shadow Unseen Hands descended upon the group.

Seeing several of their comrades hoisted up and into the air, to everyone but YN and Subaru, these handful of warriors appeared to be hovering mid air, but were contorted in a way they made them seem as if they were in pain.

As the shadowy hands tightened their grips through, a similar fate met them that YN had been forced to see Rem endure. With the gushing sound of blood and breaking bone, this was a much more graphic and sped up rendition; a method that was less form, more function.

With their comrades being skewered left and right, many called out.

Ricardo: What?! What's going on?!

Wilhelm: Ready yourselves!

Drawing his sword alongside Wilhelm, Julius called to Subaru and YN.

Julius: Subaru! YN! Your eyes seem to see what we don't! What's going on?!

Subaru: It's the Unseen Hands again!

Wilhelm: —tch.

Julius: We need to regroup!

Moving the forces about to be in a more defensive position, Subaru turned to YN and Rem, grinding his teeth.

Subaru: Petelgeuse is supposed to be dead! Why is this happening!?

Before YN or Rem could answer, the thumping sound returned to YN's hearing.

*ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum—*

It's less deep this time, but much closer—!

Subaru: —Gah!

Suddenly being pulled away, Subaru was dragged away by a single Unseen Hand taking hold of his ankle.

Rem: Subaru-kun—!

Going to rush after him as he was pulled into the thicket of brush, YN grabbed the ruined back of Rem's maid dress.

*ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum—*

YN: —Rem don't!

Halting her just before she bounded into the forest, where she had set to follow Subaru, several Witch Cultists appeared from the shadows.

Rem: —!

Totally unaware they had been there, YN was unsure how he had realized that before Rem had.

But with many more Witch Cultists now coming out of the woodwork, literally, YN shouted to those who were still on the lookout for any more of their comrades to be dragged away and had failed to realize what was going on.

YN: Ambush!

Having helped to sally a defense, YN and Rem broke through the perimeter of the clearing they had been in and had begun a hunt for where Subaru was dragged off to. However, seeing the two depart, and noticing the absence of Subaru with them, Mimi, Tivy, Wilhelm, and Julius broke from the defense with the ambush that was still ongoing, but thanks to their organization, was now quickly becoming thwarted.

The four quickly caught up with Rem and YN.

Wilhelm: Are you two able to track Subaru-dono?

Rem: Yes, Rem can smell a great amount of the Witch's Scent, and we are pursuing it.

With Rem taking point, the group traversed the forest's undergrowth as quickly as they could in the direction Subaru had been taken until—

*BANG*

In the direction they were heading roughly, a red flash of light and an explosion rang off. Halting them in hesitation, Julius kept the advance going.

Julius: That was Ia protecting Subaru. We must hurry.

Julius now took point in the chase to reach Subaru, but was quickly overtaken by the two shortest members who had joined along as they were able to navigate the thick forest easier.

Reaching the scene of the explosion first, the two made themselves airborne and used their sonic voices to make the first strike.

Mimi & Tivy: WAAAAHH!

But just as they were set to strike down their target, a shield of shadowy hands protected them.

?: Is that truly the extent of your strategy!? It is boorish! Lazy! Repetitive! It is—!

As Rem and YN were the last to lay eyes on the person yelling, while the voice was different—

?: —Slothful!

That speech pattern! It can't be—!

As Tivy and Mimi were unaware of it, a series of Unseen Hands raced towards them. Acting fast YN raised his hand and quickly gathered mana with Algol thankfully appearing at his side.

YN: Jiwald!

Casting intense rays of light between the two siblings, the searing heat beat back the hands of shadowy makings. Both Mimi and Tivy's eyes went wide seeing the profile of the deadly hands be disintegrated away in the Yang magic, not having realized how close they were to harm.

Rearing his head back through, the origin of the hands, a man with white hair, sprung nearly straight up, and yelled to the branch covered tree canopy above.

?: So many spirits! Disgusting! Loathful! Detestable! It makes my brain—!

Rem: It cannot be...

Petelgeuse: —tremble!

Without having to introduce himself, it was obvious who this un-hooded Witch Cultist was. Still holding Subaru upside down against a ruined tree, everyone got a better look at how the Sin Archbishop had changed his appearance.

He was a man of old stature, but did not resemble that of a walking corpse like his old appearance had. His nose, chin, and ears were all sharp and pointed in their figure. His eyes seemed like they were going to pop out of his head as the fire of fanaticism burned inside them.

There was no doubt in any of those present. Somehow Subaru's irrational fear he would come back from the dead had been foretold. The speech pattern; the hatred for spirits, and most notably, the shadowy hands that manifested themselves in appearance only visible to YN and Subaru... While all logic defied he should be here, the proof was indisputable.

Subaru: Petelgeuse! It's him —gah!

Petelgeuse: —Silence! I shall deal with you once these Slothful ones are disposed of.

Turning his attention to the group before him, he summoned forth more of his hands.

I'll burn them away again!

Going to gather mana in his palm once more, to YN it seemed Jiwald was the perfect counter to the hands, the beams spread far and wide, able to take out any hands headed for them, however—

—The mana is slower!

Back to his previous affinity in controlling mana, Algol it seemed was once more absent from his side at a less than optimal time.

Why now—?!

Without enough time to counter the hands, YN was ready to throw himself before Rem to protect her, but just as the dark vestiges were set to reach their group, they were cut down by a single blur of black and silver.

Rem: —!

Mimi & Tivy: —Ah!

Standing at the lead of the group, and responsible for having saved them all now, was the Sword Demon himself.

Wilhelm: Once you notice their shape, despite them being invisible, it is possible to understand where they are.

Petelgeuse: You—?! How—?!

Chewing his fingers in frustration, the madman in his new body stressed how it was this swordsman had so quickly thwarted his ability.

Petelgeuse: Haha... Hahahaha! Splendid! Wonderful! Show me your diligence!

Shouting out, many more Unseen Hands were manifested and launched out. But meeting that challenge, Wilhelm advanced.

Slashing and dodging the hands headed for him, the gentleman butler slowly closed in on the madman.

YN: How is he doing it? He said he can't see them, right?

Knowing Wilhelm had previously noticed and taken advantage of a dust cloud to show the profile of the shadowy hands, that wasn't possible in the forest now.

Answering YN confidently though, Rem spoke up.

Rem: Wilhelm-sama is concentrating on the eyes of his opponent.

YN: Rem, you mean—?

Rem: Yes. While the hands are invisible to everyone besides YN-kun and Subaru-kun, the Archbishop still can see them himself, meaning he needs to know where to direct them.

Turning his attention back to the Sword Demon, YN truly felt the depth of how skilled he was.

Rem: In truth, Rem had noticed that as well. But she is not nearly as adept at tracking the eye movement and keeping her battle sense at the same time. She had sought only to attempt what Wilhelm-sama is doing if she were forced to face the Archbishop alone.

Truly fearing at some point her and YN might be separated from the group, Rem knew the Witch Cult prayed upon weakening their target's ability to fight back before striking. Should she need to defend herself against them where odds were stacked in their favor, Rem wanted to be as prepared as possible.

Rem really is observant...

Contemplating how skilled the maid was, YN's attention was taken away by the incoming end of the bout.

Wilhelm: It is over.

Rushing forth after making a breakthrough, the Sword Demon made one flashy slash through the new body of the Archbishop.

Petelgeuse: —Ahhh...

Taking a fatal wound, the madman fell to his knees.

Petelgeuse: My life... it withers away...

Falling to the ground, he croaked his final words.

Petelgeuse: My brain... it trembles...

Laying defeated for a second time, the group had dispatched the Sin Archbishop, allowing his hold of Subaru to come to an end.

With the fight now over, there was much to discuss. Points and theories were made by all on just what had occurred. Some had believed the first Petelgeuse was a body double, others thought there were multiple Archbishop's of Sloth. With Subaru making a point that there were potentially ten "fingers" still, it seemed to point in the direction that there were by chance six other wielders of the Unseen Hand. However, others who fought the other hidden Witch Cult cells noted they did not encounter such a foe to use the technique.

Least to say; theories were abound, and understanding was little.

That was, until Felix had stumbled across an oddity on the man who had been host to Petelgeuse's persona.

Felix: The enchantment in this one... It's different!

Subaru: Huh? This one doesn't have an 'easy-way-out' crystal in him?

Felix: No... I can't tell what it is.

Julius: Is it by chance a way for the Archbishop to manifest himself once the host crystal he occupies is destroyed?

Shrugging in reply to Julius' question, Felix shook his head.

Felix: Nyow clue. Regardless of what it is, the fact this one is different is just far too coincidental...

While it was now obvious there was some mechanic behind the Archbishop somehow coming back to life, manifesting his mind through one of these Fingers, the call was made to evacuate the village of Arlem immediately and deal with the remaining Fingers once there were no exploitable weak spots the Witch Cult could attack.

Returning to where the Witch Cult had first ambushed them, the convoy was in a state of ruin and low morale as the coalition forces had finally sustained losses of their own. Laid out on the ground, Subaru looked on to the deceased who were covered with sheets to protect their dignity.

Obviously feeling like he had failed, the same guilt was also somewhat burdened by YN.

As Rem was pulled off with Felix to assist in the injured once more, despite her still weakened state, she did what she still could.

Alone with Subaru, YN also stood among the fallen who were draped in cloth.

Subaru: It's all my fault. I involved them by getting this help.

YN: Subaru, that's not your fault. The Witch Cult is a formidable enemy, and it's like Julius said on the way here, they've been outsmarting and slaughtering people unopposed for nearly four hundred years. This is probably the most resistance they've seen in decades, if not more.

Shaking his head to YN's words of attempted comfort, Subaru replied lowly.

Subaru: That's just reductionism.

Unable to find the words to restore his friend's spirit, a new voice sounded out from behind YN.

?: Subaru-dono.

With a stern face, the gentleman butler approached the two.

Wilhelm: Please forgive my intrusion, but I am able to tell that there is a great amount of various thoughts brewing in each of your minds, especially yours.

Giving his full attention to Subaru, the stern face remained.

Wilhelm: More than anything, you must crave victory, and fight for it. If it is decided that you must do battle here, then resist any attempt one may have to thwart your actions.

Gaining more and more emotion in his voice, the elderly swordsman continued.

Wilhelm: As long as your body and soul are not destroyed, then you must stand and fight. Combine that with your desire for victory, and fight.

Casting his eyes downward, Subaru was slow to respond, but when he did, he spoke lowly.

Subaru: ...Are you telling someone weak like me to just get stronger?

Wilhelm: No. Only that you should be strong.

Seeing Subaru's surprise at his words, he turned his wise gaze to YN.

Wilhelm: There is no shame in being weak. There is only shame in remaining weak.

Looking back and forth between the two, Wilhelm held his hands behind his back, as if inspecting them both. First speaking to Subaru again, he elaborated.

Wilhelm: Your ambition and devotion to Emilia-sama is second to none. To gather such a force and alliance all for her safety cannot be said by anyone else. Your place is truly at her side. Do not fret on those who have fallen. Each and every soul here decided to join you in this fight. The only thing I would ask of you, is to keep a special place in your heart for their memory, as they shared the burden you face.

Looking over to YN, similar words awaited him.

Wilhelm: I must also commend the efforts you've labored to assist not only Emilia-sama, your friend that stands beside you here, but also that of the maid you've given your entire heart and life for. The bond you two share I feel is very similar to the one my late wife and I at one point had. You sought to release her from a terrible fate that had befallen her, and to burden that struggle with her. I can only look on in admiration that by chance had I seen the relationship you two have when my dear wife was still alive, maybe her fate would have fared better. Or by chance, I may have been allowed to follow her to the grave.

Stoically looking out past the two now, it was obvious Wilhelm was fighting the possibility his eyes would mist over.

Wilhelm: Had I decided to share the burden between us much like you and the maid have, rather than bare it all myself, there is even a chance my beloved wife would be here with us today, and we each would be stronger for it.

Placing a hand on each of their shoulders, he concluded his observation of each of them.

Wilhelm: To share her burden helped make you stronger. In such a short time, I've seen you, YN-dono, become much stronger in order to defend the one who is most precious to you by your own power. By freeing her heart, you not only helped her, but also gave yourself the keys to help defend that heart.

Looking over to Subaru, he continued.

Wilhelm: —And Subaru-dono, from your passion-filled words in the Conference Hall, you've managed to manifest them into real words and actions. Such things do not come from bravado alone however; it has been manifested by the growth you've had for your feelings towards Emilia-sama. Never be afraid of that growth, as it will unlock better ways for you to achieve what it is your passion burns for.

Walking between the two, the Sword Demon had offered all he could say to the two he believed were on the cusp of succumbing to dread from the battlefield, namely in the case of Subaru.

But turning one last time, Wilhelm's tone changed as he spoke one last time to YN.

Wilhelm: While it was Subaru-dono who needed the support of his friend, there is a certain maid who is currently in need of your presence as well. She should be close to finishing all the help she can hope to offer in her current state.

Realizing he meant that Rem was certainly exhausted from having to assist in another round of healing, YN nodded to Wilhelm's suggestion that he go comfort her.

As the Sword Demon departed, YN turned one last time to Subaru, who only stoically nodded in return to him as a reply. Knowing he wasn't leaving his friend alone to dwell with a dark mind, YN departed his side to go secure Rem and do what Wilhelm had praised him for being able to do; shoulder her burden, just as the two had promised they'd do for each other.

Meeting back with Rem, YN had begun to notice Rem was physically leaning on him a lot. The maid, so delicate and caring, was absolutely zapped of her strength and focus, but was still pushing herself forward.

Rem: Rem appreciates YN-kun's concern for her well-being, but she is more resilient than he maybe realizes.

Recalling she was indeed an oni and not a mere human like he was, he still worried if there was a limit to what she could handle.

Rem: Rem would like to nap though, if only a little while. Would it make driving more difficult if she were to rest her head upon his shoulder?

YN: No, go right ahead.

As the blue haired maid gently laid her head on him as he drove along with the convoy, they were now headed directly for the village of Arlem. The decision had been made to evacuate the village as soon as possible and tackle wiping out the Witch Cult with as few innocent bystanders around as possible.

Driving along behind Subaru and Felix, YN could feel his own exhaustion too, but had to stay strong for the one currently clinging to his arm.

Looking down at her peacefully sleeping face, YN took his eyes off the road for only a moment when the fresh smell of flowers filled his nose.

That's strange... It reminds me of how Rem smells right after she's bathed and ready to go to sleep...

Many of the nights Rem would come to help YN study and develop his reading skills, she usually was fresh from the bathing room and in her nightgown. Her hair would still be damp, but it would strongly carry the aroma of fresh flowers or lavender from her soaps.

However, when YN looked back up, he was surprised to see the ground dragons and carriages he was following were gone.

Stomping on the brake, YN looked about in his mirrors and windows.

YN: They're—!

Gone. Every single sign of the convoy that has been present was now non-existent. Rolling down his window, YN peered behind him to see if by chance they'd turned and he'd gone straight.

Not wishing to wake the sleeping oni to his side though, YN couldn't get the best look. But as he stuck his head out of the car, the floral smell he assumed was Rem only became stronger.

YN: Sorry, Rem. Forgive me.

Sliding his arm out from her grasp, he gently pushed her delicate body to a more fitting position in the seat she occupied.

Getting out, YN shut his door to hopefully not wake her, and used his nose to get another whiff of the scent hanging in the air.

YN: It's definitely not Rem... To be honest, there's no way she smells like that at this point, not after being so exhausted.

Realizing it was impossible for his precious maid to be so flowery smelling given all they each had been through since leaving the Capitol, YN knew this intense floral smell had to be at least somewhat related to the disappearance of the convoy and why he was now all alone.

If I hadn't seen the damn Whale dead, I would have to assume this was Moby Dick's revenge, but this is definitely different...

Looking about, the faint fear that the Whale possessed the same ability as Petelgeuse, being able to revive itself, entered YN's mind before he finally located an oddity in his surroundings.

Just behind his car, off to the side of the road, was a solitary flower.

That's odd... There's no way that entire aroma can becoming from just—!

Suddenly lashing out, the small flower that appeared to be the center of the smell had several large vines sprout from the ground. Binding YN by the arms, legs, and his chest, he wasn't so much being constricted or hurt, or even dragged around, but just held in place.

YN: Damn it! Damn plant!

Fighting as well as he could, YN could put mana into his muscles and yank and pull all he wanted, but it was to no effect.

The vines just let me pull them, but I can't break free!

Still YN was held in place. With his arms bound as they were, he couldn't rightfully aim his palm to burn away the vines with his Yang magic either.

I'm gonna need help I think.

While he felt no threatening or harm coming from the vines, his body still reacted to being restricted as it was. Discomfort and lack of movement were his two biggest problems right now.

Looking back into the car, he noticed Rem was still fast asleep on the passenger seat as she had been, unaware of his struggle.

I hate to wake her up, but...

YN: Hey Rem!

Calling out to the maid, she remained slumbering, not acknowledging his cry for her at all.

YN: Rem! Hey Rem! I need help!

Without any reaction, she continued to sleep soundly.

What gives? I know Rem isn't a heavy sleeper, but with how devoted she is... I know she'd spring up in a heartbeat.

YN: Rem! I'm trapped!

Using any combination of words he could to spur her unconscious mind, it still fell on deaf ears.

No... Something isn't right here.

Fully taking in the circumstances, YN began to doubt the world around him.

First the entire convoy disappears? And now Rem won't hear my cry for help? No... That's not right.

Wondering what was going on, he could only come to one conclusion in regard to what he was currently caught in.

All that's happening is that I'm being restrained... Someone obviously wants me held still.

Thinking more into it, the more it made sense that this wasn't real.

This is an illusion. All of it. That's why Rem won't wake up, that's why I can't break these vines, that's why all I can smell is that flower... —Wait!

The flower. All of this went back to the smell it gave off.

I bet if I can do something about the smell... Something about the flower, this magic will lose its grip on me and—!

With a flash of white in his vision, a familiar light came into view.

YN: Algol!

Dancing around as if happy to be recognized, the spirit made its way towards the flower, the vines paying it no mind as it reached the tips of the pedals.

Shining brightly, YN squinted his eyes as he saw his spirit release a flow of Yang magic. Engulfing the flower, it and the vines nearby began to wither, turn white, and disintegrate.

Just as the flower crumbled away, so too did it seem the world YN was in as well.

—!

Falling backwards, his balance was shifted off center as the vines lost their hold on his body.

With his back on the ground, noticing a change in the sky as he looked directly upward, YN sat up.

YN: —!

All around him again was the convoy. Somehow between falling mercy to the illusion and now, he had thankfully managed to stop his car safely, and it appeared as if he had managed to exit it as well, just as he remembered he had.

Everyone else however, was a different story.

Surrounded by all the other members of the convoy, from the merchants to the warriors, all remained unconscious. With pained expressions on their faces, YN's priority jumped to saving the one person whom he feared was also pained by sensation.

Rem!

Uncertain if this were a Witch Cult attack, or if Rem could even be affected since she had already been unconscious when this had seemingly begun, YN fumbled to stand, and scrambled over to his car where the Sleeping Beauty was last seen.

YN: Rem! Rem wake—!

Cutting off his own words, YN lost all his breath at the sight of the empty passenger seat.

YN: No—! No...

Looking around to see if she had wandered off and was nearby, YN's eyes were wide open as he called for her.

YN: Rem! Rem where are you!? Rem—!

Grabbed on the back, YN was suddenly lifted off his feet by nothing more than the fabric of his clothes.

YN: Woah! Hey!

Seeing a vestige of white cloth, it for some reason seemed extremely familiar to YN, but he was given very little time to dwell on it, as whoever had grabbed him jumped with an extreme force to back inside the treeline along the road they traveled.

Feeling as if he were getting dragged off now like Subaru had been by the first Petelgeuse finger, YN began to wonder what it was he could do to escape this.

I can't really do much... But why does this seem so odd?

With nothing to push on or against, YN was just along for the ride.

Running with him slung under their arm now, he really began to realize how strange this was.

This clearly isn't Petelgeuse, and it definitely isn't a Witch Cultist...

Wearing the wrong color robes and not utilizing a frenzy of Unseen Hands, the assailant carrying YN also had remained silent, free from the mad rantings of the Archbishop.

YN: What's going on? Where are you taking me?

Without an answer, the white robed individual entered right into a dense thicket of brush that came to a miniature clear cut area inside it. Shaded by the dense tree canopy over it, they stopped with YN still under their arm.

Dropping him now though, YN's face planted right into the dirt. Going to pull himself up though, a foot was planted right onto his back.

YN: —Arg! Hey—!

*Whomp*

YN: —Tch!

Giving him a stomp to discourage him from struggling, YN's face was planted back into the dirt once more.

Realizing by the force alone that this person was more than likely unfriendly, if not hostile, YN readied mana in his palm, but as it was near full buildup with Algol not present, the ground near his hand erupted like a whip had been lashed.

But with no visible responsibility being seen, the voice of the kidnapper was finally heard.

?: Tell me now and be honest. Have you curried favor with another?

YN: Huh?

Recognizing the voice, YN tried to look up and see if it was who he thought it was. If he were right, that would explain the "whip-like" indent in the ground just now.

Yet as he went to turn his head, the boot keeping him down was removed, and he was kicked over to lay on his back. Replanting her boot on his chest, the white hooded woman pointed her wand at him.

?: Let me ask another way—

Removing her hood, her peach colored hair and ruby red eyes somehow shined in the shaded grove.

Ram: —have you betrayed the kindness shown to you by Roswaal-sama?

Removing any mana from his palms, YN held his hands up in surrender as he looked up at the oni towering over him, seemingly ready to remove his head with a blade of wind at any moment.

YN: Woah, woah! Ram! What's the issue?

Ram: It is exactly as Ram has asked. Have you turned traitor?

Raising a brow to what she was accusing him of, YN tried to get up again but was kept firmly in place by Ram's boot, this time upping the pressure she applied.

Ram: YN, please. Do not make your Nee-sama use forceful measures to extrapolate this information.

Speaking softer, as if it pained her as well to do this, YN figured the best course of action was simply to acknowledge her.

YN: *Sigh* No. —Never. Rem would follow me if I did, and I wouldn't cause her to be torn from you, or the life she lives with us all.

Convinced by his honest words and the fact he'd put Rem first in his reasoning why he was innocent, Ram eased the weight on her boot, but still kept her wand aimed for him.

Ram: Did they force you to join them? Did they threaten Rem's safety to you?

YN: 'Force?' —N-No... Nothing like that...

Wondering what was causing Ram to act this way, she finally removed her boot. Offering a hand down to him, the pink haired oni helped YN to his feet.

Ram: It appears they have either threatened your safety to Rem, or their truest intentions went unseen by both of you... or...

Listing off what she theorized was the situation she had taken YN from, Ram scowled as she looked back in the direction they had come from, anger returning to her voice.

Ram: —or Barasu's sold out to the others and dragged you two along.

YN: Huh?

With her assumption not being any closer to the truth, he finally guessed she must be misinformed or led astray.

YN: Wait! Ram! You might be—!

Flipping her hood back over her head, the oni's face and words darkened more.

Ram: Ram will be sure to finish off those dogs and the traitor. Rem is behind those two bushes over there and still asleep.

Wanting to stop her from doing anything drastic, YN's simple mind, still in distress from Rem having gone missing, now flared with one priority. Turning to where Ram gestured toward, she spoke one last time with YN distracted and unable to stop her.

Ram: —While it upsets Ram, please awake her and tell her of this development. If she wakes in the middle of a forest and YN is not within her sights, Ram fears how she might react.

Jumping off to do deeds YN knew she would not do if she were properly informed, he was left alone in the forest.

YN: Damn it! I gotta stop her, but—!

Taking a half step in pursuit, YN stopped himself as he looked back to where she had just gestured. Giving in to his desire to see Rem though, there she was.

As YN pushed away two branches, his eyes immediately located the blue haired maid that made his heart ache.

Leaned up against a tree as gently as possible, Rem still remained fast asleep.

Ram must have moved her first in a really gentle way.

Seeing her chest rise and fall with her breaths, YN knelt down next to her, and placed a hand on her fair, smooth exposed shoulder.

I really hate to wake her up too... But we gotta stop Ram!

YN (whisper): Hey, Rem, wakey wakey! We have a problem.

Giving her a very light shake, the maid quickly was roused by YN's words softly entering her ear.

Rem: Wha—? Huh?

Lazy eyed, Rem woke up to YN's concerned words entering her mind. From being so exhausted, it was clear her body wasn't ready to let go of being asleep, but her mind forced itself to wake up.

YN: Rem I think Nee-sama might be about to do something very rash.

Rem: Huh? Nee-sama? But she's—

Taking a look at her surroundings while her vision cleared up, Rem was spurred to wake up further.

Rem: The car... Where—? No. What is this business with Nee-sama?

While Rem wished to ask where they were currently, being in the middle of the forest, she quickly prioritized the issue at hand.

YN: The convoy was moving normally and then all of a sudden everything changed. I was alone, but it was all an illusion! There was the smell of flowers, and it was only thanks to Algol that I snapped out of it. Everyone else was affected too but Ram dragged me out here to you. I think she's under the impression this is some sort of warband coming to Mathers Domain. She had to be sure I wasn't a traitor but now she thinks Subaru sold out.

Rem: That does sound like Nee-sama's magic. She would only use a suggestion spell on the fragrance of the flowers if she felt the threat warranted it. If she is returning to the convoy while everyone is incapacitated—

Standing quickly, Rem nearly lost her balance from a mixture of fatigue and grogginess.

YN: Woah, Rem! Please be—!

Rem: We cannot waste anytime. If Nee-sama is hasty and kills Subaru-kun in poor judgment—

YN: I'll Reset. Damn it.

Considering her options, Rem held a hand out to YN.

Rem: Rem dislikes having to ask, but may she please have more of YN-kun's mana?

YN: Sure. I'm starting to run low too, so please be careful.

Holding her soft hand, YN concentrated and let a fair amount of his remaining mana flow into Rem.

Rem: Rem is going to try using Synesthesia to get Nee-sama to halt any hasty actions.

Closing her eyes, Rem folded her hands if she were in prayer. Seeing her eyes shutter and clench a few times, Rem gave YN a weak look after her attempt.

Rem: Rem is uncertain if Nee-sama understands the gravity of the situation. We should hurry on foot just in case.

YN: Gotcha.

As Rem went to run ahead of him, YN dropped to a single knee and let his arms reach behind him.

Rem: Wha—?

YN: Let me carry you, it'll be quicker.

Trusting his instinct that he should carry her, Rem let herself be secured to his back as he ran ahead in the direction they had come from.

After nearly a minute of running, the light from the road glared through the treeline. Just as they entered into where the convoy still remained, the sounds of magic being cast, and the clangs of sword's leaving scabbards was heard.

Looking around, many of those who had previously been passed out were just now regaining consciousness. But at the center before them, was the one they had hoped to reach before things became too serious.

With a sword to her throat by none other than the Sword Demon, and one to her back by the Finest Knight, Ram had been cornered.

Dropping Subaru from her grip just as she'd carried YN, she removed her white hood.

Ram: Strike me down now. I will not idly live in a world where people coerced by Barasu are my masters.

Flipping and crawling away, Subaru pointed at the maid in question.

Subaru: —Ram?! What the hell?!

With all those involved lowering and moving their blades away, the situation began to lose tension. Practically jumping from YN's back, Rem ran up to her twin.

Rem: Nee-sama!

Meeting her sister with a continued glare that things still carried an air of uncertainty, her expression also relayed that there were still grievances about. While not a soul knew of those things yet, YN could tell by just that, Ram still felt her actions were being justified even as it seemed things weren't as she assumed.

Knowing Ram, she'd only come to this conclusion on good reasoning. She wasn't one to arrogantly parade an ignorant conclusion.

Further knowing many words were going to need to be said and shared, YN sighed and approached the two sisters to help with that, but not before helping Subaru back to his feet, being the only one who seemed to care about his condition at that very moment.