Chapter 143: Beta Persei
Collapsed onto the floor of the inner room belonging to the Tomb, YN sat up and dusted himself off.
YN: That's that, I guess.
Recalling everything he believed he should be able to, the echo of these voices heard in his Trial rebounded in his mind.
YN: What strange things to say...
—As well as the unfounded lore drop he was lectured on about Onis.
I really wish I could speak with Rem about it all. I feel like we both could learn and figure out a lot more if we could bounce what we know off each other.
Sighing as the thought of his beloved crossed his mind, YN forced himself to stand. On his feet, he noticed he could see his breath now from how cold the air was in here.
Gotta say... I hope that the situation outside is better...
Yet, he also noticed that in this room, he was alone now.
Emilia isn't in here... I hope that's a good sign...
Walking past the pair of busted doors to leave the room and go down the singular corridor that was the exit of the Tomb, YN was halted from pure astonishment.
YN: Huh?
In the remaining stone hall of the Tomb, all the way from these double doors to the exit, was lined with not just loads of people, but also carriages and ground dragons too.
YN: H-How..?
It didn't make any sense. How were all these people in the Tomb?
Well, they all are demi-human...
But as far as YN knew from what he'd seen, Patrasche had been rejected when she had gone to get Subaru from inside.
So how are these ground dragons in here now?
They were obviously sheltering from the cold, given their reptile nature, but for how they weren't getting lacerated, YN could only figure it was from a single conclusion: Emilia had passed her Third Trial and had already lifted the Barrier.
Maybe that would also disable the Tomb? And Echidna did say she had to deal with Emilia...
Taking his new few steps from the room, his footsteps garnered him attention from the nearby demi-humans.
Man: Oh! YN-sama!
Woman: He's out! He's awake!
Quickly, a small group of eager faces surrounded YN. Asking him a whole myriad of things, YN answered a handful of rudimentary questions before he tried to calm them all down and asked for himself just what was going on.
Just as he assumed, he was correct. Emilia passed her Third and final Trial, and lifted the Barrier encompassing the Sanctuary.
Man: —We cannot leave here though! The Great Hare has trapped us here!
Woman: Emilia-sama is trying her hardest to keep them out of here! But I fear how long she can truly hold out...
Now aware of why everyone and everything was moved inside the Tomb, YN knew it was Emilia's quick thinking to keep them out of harm's way.
YN: I need to attend to Emilia-sama right away! Please let me by!
Making a small pathway for him in the crowded Tomb, YN rushed out to where the air was much cooler, freezingly so. As he approached the exit, flashes of magic reflected brightly on the snow that was drifting into the Tomb quite deeply.
I can see why everyone is huddled up in the back.
As snow began to crunch under his hasty footsteps, YN emerged onto the scene of a siege.
Darted all around, like armaments to a fortress, were crystallized ice spikes, forming a perimeter that the Great Hare could not dare to leap over, and surely if one were to touch them, they'd be frozen entirely in an instant.
Gallantly though, atop the highest of the Tomb's steps, the siege's single brave defender commanded her ice magic with mastery. Working as the vanguard, Emilia did not let a single Great Hare past her as she slung her magic down upon the invaders.
While there were thousands, if not more of the deadly white fur-balls, in one swift move, Emilia channeled her ice magic to decimate nearly all in view. While of course not getting them all, they'd need a moment to rebuild their numbers for the next wave of attack.
In this time now, Emilia turned to the one who had just joined her on the ramparts of this defense as the midnight blizzard raged on.
While Emilia herself was unperturbed from the inclement weather, YN had to keep a hand up around his eyes, bracing against the snow and wind to keep himself from being snow-blinded as he yelled out to her.
YN: Emilia-sama! Is it true you passed your last Trial and lifted the Barrier?! Is that why everyone can be inside the Tomb without being harmed?! And—?!
Catching his view in the corner of YN's eye, a brief panic shuddered his spine before he saw the unconscious nature of this person.
YN: —And how the hell did Roswaal end up here?!
Asking her all this, Emilia answered him calmly, her amethyst eyes full of resolve and confidence.
Emilia: I went looking for him after I woke up from my Trial, and when I found him, I tried talking some sense into him but he's just remained that way.
Both looking over to the Margrave, his deadpan stare out into the dark, snowy nothingness perfectly illustrated all that needed to be said about him for right now.
Emilia: There was also another stop I had to make before coming back here that involved Ryuzu-san... But that'll need to be spoken about later with everyone else.
Changing the subject, YN shook his head to regain his composure.
YN: And your Trial? You passed, right?
Nodding confidently to him, Emilia gained an air of maturity YN hadn't ever seen her possess before.
Emilia: Yes. The Barrier is lifted, and there's no more magic left in the Tomb... When I woke up and I saw you had finally made it into your Third Trial I was reeeeeaaally happy for you, even if it did look like you were struggling…
Perhaps, YN thought, he must have appeared just as Emilia had looked when she was struggling with her First Trial.
Emilia: I know how hard the Third Trial can be, so I didn't want to wake you in the middle of it.
Shaking his head before he replied, YN sighed.
YN: I failed it in the end, so I'm glad you passed. We'd be way out of time and luck if you hadn't.
While he wanted to go on to say he knew she had it in her to pass them, their conversation was cut short by a resurgence in the Great Hare's onslaught.
Emilia: Take this!
With her hand raised, Emilia summoned more ice, and rained it down on the tiny devils trying to race up the stone steps.
Seeing the fighting was back on, YN tried to help as he could.
YN: Jiwald!
Yet, as he did try, only a pathetic candle-light's worth of light escaped his palm as his Gate felt like it was long wrung for any mana it still had.
YN: Damn it... My mana is still totally used up, and Algol still isn't anywhere to be found to get me more!
Unable to even cast his simplest of magic, YN cursed himself out loud. Taking a deep breath though, YN followed Puck's instructions on the brief lesson he had been given.
YN: *Inhale.*
Yep... It's still there.
Feeling the contact's presence remain, he exhaled.
YN: *Phwah...*
As he finished this, it was Emilia now who had opened another respite in the fight against the Great Hare.
Emilia: YN, please stay back, okay? I'll deal with the Hares until help arrives.
Confused as to what she meant; YN could only echo her word of "Help?"
YN: —from who?
Only smiling at him in response, Emilia shook her head like the answer should be obvious.
Emilia: From who else, but Subaru?
Unsure from just where he'd come from, or to what aid he could bring, YN could really do nothing else but trust what Emilia believed would happen.
YN: Okay. I uhh, I guess that's the only thing I can do too.
Glad he saw it that way too, Emilia gestured over to the entrance of the Tomb.
Emilia: In the back of the first ground dragon wagon is where I moved Ram to... She woke up a little when I did, and she was mumbling your name... why don't you go see if she's doing any better? I've got things under control outside here.
While it felt entirely disingenuous to just leave all this fighting against a dastardly foe like the Great Hare to Emilia alone, just as YN turned to follow her recommendation, she called back to him again.
Emilia: —Ah, there was one other thing I almost forgot!
Turning his tired body to face her again, just as he did, he found himself embraced by her.
YN: —?!
Stunned, he hadn't the time to return the sporadic hug he was given by the half-elf before she moved back again, and put her hands on his shoulders.
With a slight blush on her face from the sudden gesture, she did smile nonetheless.
Emilia: Minerva asked me to give you that when I saw you next. I promised I would.
Given how important promises were to the silver-haired girl, YN was more surprised to hear Minerva had asked this of her.
YN: I-I see... Thank you, Emilia-sama. If you need help, please, shout.
Emilia: I will if I absolutely need it.
With that, YN departed back into the Tomb, and was now sheltered from the falling snow and harsh blowing winds.
Still, his mind refused to wander from the reasoning behind Minerva's request of Emilia.
I wonder if it was because she knew why I used her boon...
Regardless of the reasoning, YN was now at the carriage Emilia spoke of, an uncovered wagon typically used for cargo, but inside, was a single passenger.
Wrapped in many blankets, YN figured that was probably because the Sanctuary residents also in this Tomb with her believed the one, single coat and makeshift blanket she wore wouldn't be nearly warm enough for her.
Under all those blankets though, Ram tightly held on to the jacket that had once belonged to YN, clutching it hard in her hands in a self-hug.
Truthfully though, YN didn't know what he should do now. He wanted to let her rest, but part of him also really wanted to let her know he was here for her if she needed.
Unsure of it all, his attention was stolen away by a blindingly bright light coming from the entrance of the Tomb.
YN: The hell is that?
What struck him as odd, was that the light now coming in was a hue of pink. Never once in these series of Loops had he encountered magic that took on such a radiance.
This light of course garnered more than just his attention. As all the Sanctuary residents moved to see what it was, YN clicked his tongue, and was forced to leave Ram's side to see what it was too.
Gently moving through the crowd of demi-humans, the light subsided, and two silhouetted figures were seen at the former epicenter of this pink glow.
While one was taller, and the other shorter, YN immediately recognized both of these people.
With a set of drill-style twintails, her fancy dress, and a small crown atop her head that featured butterfly-shaped iris in her eyes, the shorter of the two was the Great Spirit known as Beatrice.
And holding her hand, was YN's own fellow wayward traveling companion, and Emilia's own self-proclaimed knight.
Beatrice: —Su... S-Subaru...
Emilia, it seemed, was right. Subaru had indeed showed up, and aid was brought.
Subaru: Emilia-tan... You worked really hard, not only on the Trials, but also protecting everyone here. Thank you for that. But now, let us take things from here.
Hand in hand with Beatrice, and with Emilia behind him, Subaru was poised to take center stage now, and be the knight he promised he was.
With a heavy sigh, YN finally let the last of his stress and unease vent out from his person.
He had taken this seat on the snowy steps of the Tomb some time ago now, finally letting his anxious body accept the reality of their situation; that all their threats now, had been neutralized.
Until then, his body had refused to not be on full alert, and coupling that with his mana exhaustion, YN's entire frame and mind felt immensely fatigued.
As the Tomb was cleared of its occupants, and everyone it seemed was occupied with new things to do somewhere else, the villagers, knowing of no one else they could trust her with that was unoccupied, had brought Ram to YN.
Resting her sleeping head on his lap, the rest of Ram laid on the same step YN sat on. With the oni under his care, he had simply sat here and watched the aftermath of their victory unfold like a silent bystander.
The Great Hare had been subdued, by none other than the one who had subdued the White Whale.
YN recalled in his mind once more, how Emilia had boxed in the entire herd of voracious rodents using her ice magic, to then be followed up by Beatrice using Al Shamak to sentence them all to a different plane of existence, one she described as being similar to her Forbidden Library.
Hopefully they won't be a problem in the future.
While it was in his nature to stress the consequences of such actions, YN could only calmly look out across the still snow-covered battlefield at the peace that had overtaken it.
As Emilia giggled on, herself sitting on steps near the very base of the Tomb, she was entertained by her knight acting more like a jester. Rolling up balls of the still melting snow into snowmen, trying to make light of all that had occurred until now, Subaru laughed along with the half-elf.
While YN was genuinely happy for the two of them getting to share this moment, the one who had her head upon his lap scoffed at it.
Ram: Barasu, will you stop acting like a child and simply let the snow subside peacefully?
Perhaps too weak to make her voice any louder, YN looked down at the head that also gazed out onto the snowy expanse, her criticism not reaching her target with how softly it was spoken.
YN: Looks like someone is awake finally.
Poking his own fun at the oni, Ram turned her head to look up at YN, which only began to frown as she heard a growing fling of laughter between Subaru and Emilia down below.
Aware of the emotion she was feeling, YN could only weakly look back down to her.
YN: Why not just let 'em have their fun, huh? We've all been through a lot... A moment or two to themselves like this isn't a lot to ask for.
Sighing herself, Ram closed her eyes and rested her head more firmly upon YN's lap.
After a moment or two more of silence, Ram reopened her eyes and poised a tentatively worded question to YN.
Ram: YN, what... What has become of Roswaal-sama? Ram is aware Emilia-sama went and retrieved him...
Unsure of the status of her employer currently, it was unlike Ram to tip-toe around her own words, especially in regard to Roswaal.
YN: He's still in the Tomb with Beatrice. They both went to see the Witch—, Echidna, encased in crystal deep inside, past the last door.
While YN hadn't ventured further in to see himself, Emilia herself had told him of this.
Looking to the side for a moment as if in thought, Ram returned to having her ruby-red eyes make contact with YN's own.
Ram: How... How much is YN aware of? —Regarding the Witch of Greed and Roswaal-sama.
YN: At this point? A good bit, I think. Why?
YN wasn't entirely certain what Ram's worry was here, but he definitely wanted to know what it was.
Ram: Then, YN must realize Roswaal-sama's wish is to wake her up, correct? To revive her.
Surprised this was what she was getting at, YN only calmly nodded.
YN: I'm aware.
Ram: ...And this did not immensely astonish you? YN does not have a fear of what awakening a Witch from four hundred years ago might wrought upon the world?
Caught off guard that it wasn't the content of these goals that were Ram's focus with her current weariness, but rather, his own reaction towards them, this seemed to be Ram's concern now.
YN: I guess I'm not really in a position to view it negatively... After all, once I learned that, I realized I wasn't the only one who's trying to defy all the odds and work to awaken a Sleeping Beauty.
Now seeing it from YN's perspective, Ram definitely couldn't deny there was a parallel between Roswaal with Echidna, and YN with Rem.
Ram: ...You both certainly have that in common now.
Nodding to Ram, YN built off that notion.
YN: It is indeed. And that's why I'm banking on it being a way to build a bridge to Roswaal.
Ram: But why would YN at this juncture?
YN: Are you saying I shouldn't?
While YN could tell by Ram's tone she wasn't opposed to this, rather, his motivation for this was lost on her.
Ram: N-No. Rather, Ram is at a loss why YN would want to at all.
Looking out at Subaru flopping down in the snow to make more snow angels for Emilia, YN explained his reasoning to Ram.
YN: It's my hope that Roswaal has seen the light at this point. Seeing Emilia pass all the Trials, seeing Garfiel be won over, seeing Elsa at the Mansion be thwarted, and finally seeing Subaru turn over a new leaf with Beatrice to subdue the Great Hare... Those were all things Roswaal said would never happen because his Gospel told him so, and we all proved him wrong.
Casting his gaze down to Ram, he went on.
YN: Don't for a second think I'm just letting everything he did be forgotten. There's going to need to be a very long discussion with him and everyone else. Even if Subaru, Garf, Otto, —everyone else, rejects him no matter what concessions can be made, I know you won't.
Ram: — — —
Unable to deny that, Ram stayed silent still, looking out were YN had a moment ago, and let him go on.
YN: —And because you won't, I won't either. —Or at least, I'll prepare to be the only one who doesn't.
Ram: —?!
Snapping her vision back to him, her wide eyes of ruby-red prompted a fuller explanation from YN on that subject.
YN: Roswaal and I both know we need to get along if we want to see either of our goals come to fruition. And although he'll be more reluctant to admit it too, Subaru is aware of that as well.
Ram: That definitely does seem to be the path of least resistance... —something this Camp, at this juncture, must seek out if it does not wish to rupture apart. However, Ram is still perplexed... What about all that Roswaal-sama has done that's disproportionately affected you? That would include the danger he's put Rem in.
While it was a hard topic for YN to speak rationally on without letting his more vengeful emotions get the better of him, he needed to be consistent with what he had been saying early on.
YN: The same argument could be made towards Garf, couldn't it? It was hard for me to bury the hatchet on that, and it'll be no different when it comes to Roswaal. What is important though, is that Rem is safe currently. Never was she harmed.
Looking upward at the clearing sky, while pink rays of morning sunlight pierced through the subsiding snow-cloud coverage, YN carried on, trying to show Ram he was serious about this.
YN: Even in a purely pragmatic sense of things; doesn't it make better sense to ally these strong people, —Roswaal and Garfiel, because they'll help to protect her and later on, help restore her? Clearly just being able to protect her on my own isn't enough, such a lofty goal of waking her up is going to require help. I need to rely on others... Just as I helped teach that to Garfiel, I need to take that to heart too. I have Subaru to thank for making me realize that in regards to Rem after this entire ordeal.
As Ram looked to her left and right taking in what YN said, she wasn't able to fault his logic, but she could still seek closer clarification on other pieces of information, even the likes of—
Ram: —the oni village massacre. Can YN truly say he still feels all the same after learning of Roswaal-sama's involvement with it?
Presenting him a hard question to answer, YN sighed and shook his head.
YN: Is it not like what you said though? We can't change the past, we need to realize that because it happened, we all know each other now... If not for that, you'd have never known Roswaal, I'd have never met Rem... Without you both, there's no way Subaru and I could have done everything we have up until this point.
While not so much catching Ram in a "gatcha!" style argument more so than he was just simply agreeing with something she had previously said, to this, Ram acquiesced.
Thwarting her worries, she accepted that what YN was deciding to go ahead with, was something she would have preferred, but had not expected him to at first suggest.
Least to say, YN had uncovered the source of Ram's worries; it was suspicion.
It was not suspicion of YN himself, but rather, that someone who'd been so wronged could look at the options before them, and still have the bravery to accept hard truth, knowing Roswaal was essential to all of their goals. This was in opposition rather to a convenient, short-sighted path to satisfy a need for blind justice, and the potential ousting or exile of the same man.
In truth, YN had his grievances, but he couldn't deny Roswaal might prove to be essential in the path to awake Rem, and at this juncture, by winning the confliction in Ram's heart, to act with vengeance now would mean betraying that victory and the reason he won in the first place.
The two continued to sit this way in silence for a while longer. By this point, all the other Sanctuary residents had dispersed now, satisfied with the display of playful actions in the snow of one of their saviors. For now, everyone simply wanted to count their blessings, and get some rest after such a long and perilous ordeal.
YN at this moment though too, caught the slightest of side-eyes by Emilia who was sitting on the same steps as he was, only still down towards the base of the Tomb. What continued to catch his eye though, was not just how flushed red her face was, but rather, the tips of her pointed elf-ears were too. It was rather a peculiar and rare sight to see the half-elf's pale skin become so red.
But, before YN could begin to guess why, Ram's head, still in his lap, turned to look up at him.
Ram: It would be wise for us both to depart.
YN: Huh?
Unsure why Ram would be suggesting this now, she stole another look down at the nearly glowing half-elf with silver hair before looking back up at YN. She spoke again, only in a lower tone now though.
Ram: Emilia-sama and Barasu need to discuss some things alone. Ram can tell.
Even rarer to see the half-elf so flushed red, was to hear Ram pay no mind to Subaru being left alone with Emilia.
Accepting this though, YN nodded.
YN: Alrighty, I can respect them needing that.
Feeling he was going to stand, Ram prepared to lift her head off his lap, although what he did next—
Ram: Wha—what?
Rather, before YN stood, he moved Ram's still nearly limp body closer to his arms, and only then did he stand.
Ram: Y-YN...?!
Picking her up, it was now Ram that was in direct competition for who was blushing the most between her and Emilia.
YN: I imagine you probably can't walk still, right?
Referring back to how horrendously far she had pushed her own body, using her oni heritage to transform in the final moment of their bout with the Margrave, Ram knew YN was right.
Simply shaking her head as she was held, her blush did begin to subside slightly, knowing YN's intention here was purely helpful and nothing else.
YN: How about we go wait by the entrance to the Sanctuary? Everyone from the Mansion will probably make it here before long, and I really want to see Rem as soon as she's back too.
As YN began to descend the steps with Ram in his arms, she looked up to him with a neutral expression now.
Ram: ...YN really, without a doubt, expects Rem to be completely fine without any proof?
Finding his lack of worry uncharacteristic for YN, he nodded in reply at first.
YN: Garf, Frederica, Otto and Subaru were all there to protect her. There's no where else in the world she'd be safer.
Ram was silent in reply to this, knowing it really only boiled down to one person of those YN listed that really mattered in keeping anyone safe.
Partially too, YN knew that too, but to be that blunt would be a disservice to his newfound allies.
YN: Once we welcome them back, we're all going to have a big, long talk...
Ram: That was inevitable...
Halfway lamenting what this impending meeting might bring, the oni being carried sighed as YN began his walk across the still snowy ground, a crisp 'crunch, crunch' being heard with every step.
Ram: Ram can only wish that it remains civil...
*THWACK*
Launched by a single fist by the most constantly strong person any of them knew, the man who was struck by this blow remained airborne for a solid second and a half before he stumbled and rolled across the remainder of the floorspace here in the abandoned cathedral of the Sanctuary. He only once came to an abrupt halt thanks to a pillar, breaking his momentum as he slammed into it.
Groaning with pain though, he stood and wiped the blood off his face, smearing his make-up in the process. To this most violent and harsh impact, he only spoke a single word: "Next."
*SLAP*
Taking an open palm to the face this time, delivered by the previous hitter's elder sibling, the man staggered backwards at the intensity behind it. At the very least, this hand met the opposite cheek bone as the last strike, which helped more even distribute the pain.
By now, he'd be hit or struck by almost everyone in the room, and now it was someone else's turn.
Garfiel: Alright Cap'n, it's your turn now. Go on, ya earned it.
Next in line to take his revenge upon Roswaal, was Subaru.
Subaru: Woah, woah... Anything I can hope to do will just be child's play compared to what everyone else has done!
Ram: Barasu, are you saying your fist holds less power than Beatrice-sama's shoe, or Petra-chan's handkerchief?
Noting the first two who had gotten shots at Roswaal, Ram, sitting on a nearby pew in this dilapidated cathedral, spat her usual venom at the back-haired boy.
Ram: Pathetic.
This entire ordeal had begun with Beatrice saying she had slapped Roswaal with her shoe in the Tomb, which somehow or another, led to Garfiel punching Roswaal for a similarly declared reason. Following this, Otto took his punch, followed by Petra, opting to slap like Beatrice had, choosing to use her aforementioned handkerchief.
Garfiel however, got to have a second punch, claiming he was only doing so on behalf of Ryuzu, who was also here. Following that up, was Frederica finally.
Garfiel: —Ere' ya go then.
Making Subaru take this rather large item, it was in the shape of a wooden paddle of sorts.
Garfiel: It's only fair ya get a handicap.
Subaru: W-What is this thing? A farm tool of some kind? A boat oar? I can't tell...
Garfiel: Just use it to give ol clown-face there a good wallop. My amazing self won't let Cap'n in on the concession talks if he doesn't join in.
Folding his arms as he said that, Garfiel was serious as he said that. It wasn't out of malice he made this condition, but out of genuine concern for Subaru and all that he had been wronged with.
Tightening his grip around this wooden... thing, Subaru stepped up the batter's box.
Subaru: Ugh... Fine.
Winding up for the hit, Subaru let loose a swing at Roswaal.
*WHAM!*
Being given a good wringer of a hit, more blood came from Roswaal's nose at being smacked square in the face.
Falling back, Roswaal was on the floor again.
Roswaal: *Spits* *Sniffs*
A small trickle of blood now ran from one of his nostrils now.
Emilia: Umm, Roswaal, let me heal you at least...
Knowing this was a necessary thing to have happened, but still disheartened by the display of pain, Emilia in her good nature offered to heal Roswaal's injuries from these blows, even if she was aware he was capable of taking them.
Yet, she was halted by a single white glove being held up to her as she tried to take a step forward.
Roswaal: I'm afraid I must wear this pain with pride. It is part of my atonement.
Removing a handkerchief from his pocket, the Margrave tore a corner off, and shoved it up the leaking nostril. Stood once more, Roswaal brushed off the affliction.
Garfiel: Oy, Ram. You gonna take a whack at him too?
Still sat on her pew, the maid closed her eyes and shook her head.
Ram: No amount of physical pain that Ram may inflict could hope to rectify her issues with him.
That's an excuse.
Watching from the side, not far from where Ram herself was sat, YN could tell her words stemmed from not wanting to inflict any pain on Roswaal at all.
The reason behind that is obvious.
Turning to Beatrice now though, Garfiel goaded on more of this behavior.
Garfiel: Why don't we let Beatrice-sam— er, Beako, have another smack at him too? We can say the first one didn't count since it wasn't here.
Frederica: Garf, please be sure to refer to Beatrice-sama with the proper respect she deserves, she is a Great Spirit after all.
Garfiel: Ahh, er, yeah, yer right...
Scratching at the back of his head, being corrected, Garfiel's offer it seemed was affected by this exchange.
Beatrice: Betty is content.
Not wishing to see the momentum for the moment die out, Garfiel turned to the final person in the room who hadn't gotten a chance to take a hit yet, like this was some sort of pinata party.
Perhaps too, he was saving the person he thought might hit Roswaal the hardest, for last.
Garfiel: Oy, Ojii-san.
With just a gesture of his head over to Roswaal as he said this to YN, he stood from his seat. Walking over, he stood next to the golden-haired youth who was cracking his knuckles in anticipation for YN's punch.
Both facing Roswaal, it was clear one of them was much more excited about this than the other.
Garfiel: Give em' a good one. For you, and for Rem-san over there.
To his words, YN looked over to the one he spoke of.
Asleep on the pew next to Ram, a pillow gently laid under her head of azure, YN felt an air of peace fall over him as he gazed upon the one he loved.
Rem...
He was immensely relieved to see her unharmed and here where she was safe. Nothing more, than did he long to just be by her side after all this stressful pain he had to endure.
To her side though, was her nearly identical twin sister. Where Rem's eyes of blue were shut in a peaceful sleep, Ram's of ruby-red were open, full of tentative anxiety at what was set to come next. As their eyes met, Ram was forced to look away.
From this, YN could easily gather Ram was just as conflicted about this as he was.
They both wanted Roswaal punished for endangering Rem, but to the degree, they differed.
I'd really like to knock the makeup right off his goofy clown face, but that's just going to upset Ram further than I can tell she already is.
Still, what applied to Subaru, also would apply to YN; Garfiel wasn't about to let anyone continue to sit in on these concession talks that didn't give Roswaal a punch, spare perhaps Ram for the most obvious reasons.
Approaching the Margrave, he gave his employee a weak expression, showing he was ready for a punch that contained all the pain and sorrow for Rem he had caused YN.
Raising up his fist, YN went to ready his punch. At this, Ram fully looked away while Garf could only look on with more intensity.
Subaru now looked between Roswaal and Rem, wondering if YN was about to put him in a coma as well, and similar thoughts crossed the minds of Frederica, Otto, Ryuzu and Emilia. They all knew if anyone had the right to be pissed off at Roswaal, it was YN, namely for Rem's sake.
Focusing what felt like all his mana into this wound-up arm, a heat wave could be seen rising off the tightly closed fist. At its peak, YN delivered it forward, launching his punch.
*WOOSH*
*SHATTER*
With such a movement of air and inertia, at the last moment, Roswaal actually flinched with the intensity of the punch.
Ram: —YN!
Yelling out in anger as she turned her vision partially back around, the sight of the stained glass facade at the opposite end of the cathedral, now blow out and shattered, sent a panic into her. Thinking YN had gone much too far, she was set to emotionally chew him out as she turned to look back to him now.
Ram: Why would—?!
Yet, as her gaze turned to where she thought only YN remained, she halted her charged words, just as she saw Roswaal's long hair settle back down from the monumental gust of wind that had been kicked up.
Thinking YN had managed to punch Roswaal hard enough to eject him from the cathedral entirely, Ram saw now what had really occurred.
As Roswaal's eyes both were stunned, shocked wide open, all that they saw was YN's single first, slightly blurred from how close it was.
Garnering gasps from everyone else in the room, they all saw that at the last moment, YN had pulled his punch.
There had been so much force behind the perspective hit though, that the shock wave from its movement alone had been enough to shatter that stained glass, even from a distance and Roswaal in front of it.
Lowering his fist, it was only Roswaal that could see the seriousness of the expression YN wore. He truly hadn't expected him to be able to make such a devastating display of power.
To the stunned, speechless onlookers, and Roswaal, YN now spoke.
YN: This is my warning to you.
No one replied to his words as he said this, rather more silence followed as they all, —especially Roswaal, listened.
YN: Anything like this ever happens again? Subaru and I will eventually triumph over it like we did here. And when we get to this point again, I won't pull my punch next time.
To this, YN looked over to Ram, who, to his thankfulness, had a relieved look upon her face.
Garfiel: Tch... I know better than anyone else here ya had it in ya, but it's weird seein' someone else almost get it instead...
Managing to satisfy both Garfiel and Ram with this, YN spoke as he went to return to his seat, hoping to quell any existing doubt.
YN: My act of mercy isn't just for myself or anyone else, it's done so that Roswaal can see it's something he needs to learn how to do too.
Back in his seat, YN looked over the pew in front of him to where Rem remained, peacefully asleep.
YN: I'm done with this now, just as everyone else should be.
As everyone looked amongst themselves, YN spoke up one last time before anyone else could.
YN: There's still, however, one thing Roswaal hasn't done yet that he needs to.
Sitting back and crossing his arms, Federica, Garfiel, Otto, Subaru, Ryuzu, Ram, and Beatrice all looked at each other, confused as to what else the Margrave should need to still concede to. Among everyone else in the room, there was only one other person who knew what that was.
Amidst a murmuring of "huhs", she remained silent, smiling at YN for recognizing it too.
Nodding to her in reply, YN gestured to her, and let the spotlight of the moment be shown on her.
YN: Take it away, Emilia-sama.
With all eyes now moving to her, in confidence, Emilia stepped forward and looked directly at Roswaal.
Emilia: Roswaal has to say what every person needs to do when they've done something bad, or if they've hurt someone.
Only garnering more confusion from everyone, Emilia spoke the answer.
Emilia: —He needs to say he's sorry, and apologize.
Like a mother scolding a young child, the tiny frown on her innocent face said it all. Unable to not give Emilia a nod of acknowledgement, Roswaal answered to her demand.
Roswaal: I shall, but first, there is something too I must profess, as part of the contract Subaru-kun and I committed to.
Undoing a few of the buttons on his regal jacket, he dropped the sleeves from his shoulders, and undid the bandage wrappings from his chest.
A gasp of surprise was levied across nearly all in attendance.
Roswaal: With this, never shall I attempt to sacrifice anyone here in our company again.
Upon his revealed chest, was a blue magic circle of sorts, surrounding what they all knew was the Mathers Family crest, a hawk of sorts.
Sat on Subaru's lap, as he was also the only one sitting on the ground, Beatrice spoke with her eyes wide open.
Beatrice: An oath, encompassed by a curse.
Revealing the nature of this magic now upon Roswaal, the Margrave went on to profess that this would have been the same consequence for Subaru, had he failed to get things right.
We would have been truly shit out of luck had we not gotten this Loop right...
YN could only tighten his closed fist at the audacity of risk they had undertaken with this Loop, and how close things had really come to disaster.
Roswaal went on to say too, that if he were to ever betray his Oath and trigger this Curse, his soul would be burned away to nothing, unable to even progress past death. To any remaining confusion, Beatrice went about explaining the differences between curses, pacts, oaths, and contracts.
At the point for concessionary words, it was Otto who started out, stating that if the Margrave's self-levied consequences were true, that these conditions were more than satisfactory.
With Federica agreeing, it was Garfiel and Petra who dissented.
With a small argument breaking out over whether it was okay to forgive Roswaal or not, given all that he'd done, Subaru acted as a mediator between the two groups, trying to help them see compromise and realize they couldn't just kick the Margrave to the curb.
Entirely uninterested in this squabble, given YN's own complicated feelings on the matter, he leaned forward in his pew-seat, and looked down at Rem, her head still right next to Ram. YN knew too, that Ram wouldn't really want to be a part of this argument either for reasons not unlike his own.
Reaching over the pew, YN gently pushed Rem's bangs off her one usual eye she kept visible. Noticing his reach, Ram too looked down at how tenderly YN doted on the sleeping sister of hers.
Hands that had carried such a tremendous force and strength behind them now so carefully danced across her twin sister's gentle face.
It was only now though, that Ram noticed something with Rem.
As YN's motion of moving her hair away from her eye had made Ram think that was odd he should need to do so, she realized why that was.
Ram: Rem's hair-clip is missing.
Taking a quick look around where Rem laid, YN pursed his lips and shook his head.
YN: Yeah... You're right. I remember seeing it earlier when she arrived here though.
Ram: As does Ram. It must have fallen?
Looking to Ram, he asked a single question in reply.
YN: Has yours ever fallen out?
As Ram looked upwards and felt her own hair clip, confidently holding her bangs away from her eye, she slowly shook her head.
YN: I've seen Rem do all sorts of flipping about, and fighting... I never once saw her lose it. Hell, it stayed in place for the entirety of the White Whale fiasco.
Giving YN a weak look, Ram tried to reassure him.
Ram: If need be, Ram has extras. Perhaps she has one in a brighter pink like Rem's, someplace as well.
As the two spoke amongst themselves regarding Rem, the argument finally was quelled, but not before Garfiel, in rare form, had his stubborn mind changed by Subaru, —his 'Captain,' whilst Petra was left crying into Frederica's bosom.
Emilia: This is all well and good, but I hope Roswaal isn't thinking of avoiding saying what he should definitely say.
Getting all their attentions to focus back on Roswaal, he answered the half-elf and her determined inquiry.
Roswaal: No, no... Not at all, Emilia-sama.
He said this was buttoning back up his jacket, and as he finished, he bowed forward.
Roswaal: Truly, for all I have done. I apologize.
Standing back up straight, he held a hand over his chest.
Roswaal: I am sorry.
More or less; at his admission of guilt, means to punish him now levied, and consequences prepared should he reattempt such deeds, the concessionary talks here in the cathedral had come to a close.
With a brief silence overtaking the group, Garfiel looked about and put his hands on his hips.
Garfiel: Ya know, it's weird knowin' these'll be some of my last moments ere' in the Sanctuary...
By this point, nearly all the Sanctuary residents and much of the valuable property they possessed, if any, had been loaded onto the ground dragon carriages that had been inside the Tomb, and with that, the Emilia camp was set to depart with them. The only thing that had held them up until now, was the 'what to do' with Roswaal issue that had still hung in the air. Afterall, it was this conclusion that was paramount to deciding just where everyone was set to go when they left the Sanctuary.
However, as everyone had just begun to mentally prepare for a long trip ahead, one of the quieter voices in the room spoke up.
Ryuzu: Emilia-sama...
With what sounded like concern in her voice, she looked to Garfiel and shook her head before turning back to the one she had originally addressed.
Ryuzu: There is still a matter that needs dealing with before I would be comfortable leaving here for the foreseeable future...
Getting Garfiel's concern now too, he tilted his head as he looked to his dear guardian.
Garfiel: Granny, what's the matter? Somethin' wrong?
Hesitating for a moment, Ryuzu nodded as if this issue was a great hindrance to everyone here.
Ryuzu: The night before, I felt the link all we replicants share lose a connection...
His eyes going wide at that prospect, Garfiel uncrossed his arms.
Garfiel: That ain't good.
Now concerned too, Garfiel now had an expression of worry come across his face too.
Garfiel: It wasn't when that one of ya went rouge, right? Shima started callin' herself something cool...
Subaru: 'Omega.'
Garfiel: Yeah that!
Still appealing to his chuuni disposition, Garfiel snapped his fingers at Subaru's words.
Garfiel: Ya sure it weren't that Granny?
Exploring a logical first start, it was thwarted by Ryuzu gently swaying her head side to side.
Ryuzu: That was something we were prepared to expect beforehand... The loss of connection we experienced was after that...
With this definitely being a point of contention for Ryuzu, YN knew it was only Garfiel it seemed who truly understood what that meant to her.
YN: With the Laboratory destroyed, there's no way more Ryuzu clones are ever going to come about... All that are still around are all that will ever be now.
Trying to help put emphasis on the importance of each clone, YN was hoping this would prompt better understanding from everyone else in the room.
Getting more sympathetic looks from them now, Subaru now stood, and while holding Beatrice's hand still, voiced an option.
Subaru: Emilia-tan, you still have the Command Authority, right? Why don't we step outside and see if you can call over the missing replicant?
Garfiel: Good thinkin', Cap,'n.
Emilia: Yeah, let's try that.
Prompting them all to step outside the Cathedral now, Ram opted to stay behind and work on placing Rem into YN's car to prepare for departure.
At Emilia's order, slowly but surely, all the many Ryuzu replicants shuffled out of the forest.
Petra: S-So many!
As the on-duty Ryuzu continued to stand by Emilia's side, holding her staff, the group of replicants stood just before them both now, all looking up to Emilia for what they needed to do now.
Silently off to the side, since he was taller than his guardian and could see all the currently present clones, Garfiel quickly performed a headcount. While he hadn't shared the total count out loud, he tallied up the heads again and shook his own head now.
Garfiel: Granny ain't wrong. Ones' definitely missin'.
His tone of concern growing, Frederica now stepped forward, hoping she could help narrow this down.
Frederica: Was there any specific location you last felt this connection? Perhaps around what time did you feel the difference?
Having to look nearly straight up at the person she was a Guardian over, Ryuzu nodded and replied.
Ryuzu: It felt like the replicant was far out in the forest, simply patrolling... We first noticed their absence right around the time Emilia-sama took the Command Authority...
Subaru: That was right around the time Great Hare would have been showing up... Ryuzu-san... you don't possibly think that... ya know...
Suggesting this clone might have fallen victim to the Great Hare, the short pink-haired girl shook her head.
Ryuzu: I do not think this replicant suffered any pain or death... If I had to put it into words, the sensation was more familiar to when Shima departed... Like the connection to them was undone rather than shattered or torn apart.
While her words didn't necessarily help shed any additional light on the situation, the cool-headed Otto spoke up, raising his hand as he did.
Otto: Can I suggest we perhaps comb the area where this clone might have last been? Perhaps we can at least uncover a clue?
Really, the group couldn't find a fault with that course of action, and as such, they all walked over to that direction.
Reaching a clearing of sorts in the forest, Ryuzu stopped them all.
Ryuzu: It... It was around here I feel. —Close, at least.
As Ryuzu tried hard to remember where this vague feeling came from, Subaru clapped once to get all the attention on him.
Subaru: Alright everyone, we all know who we're trying to look for. Fan out, search the forest, we'll meet back up here in a few minutes, we don't want anyone else here to go spontaneously missing.
Being cautious, Subaru wanted everyone else to be as well.
Subaru: Use the buddy system, groups of two. No one on their own.
At this, Emilia bent forward, resting her hands on her knees as she spoke to the Ryuzu clones.
Emilia: Do as Subaru said. Search in groups of two.
With each one grabbing the hand of a fellow clone, the small crowd of Ryuzu replicants broke into pairs.
Roswaal: I suppose I should make myself useful in this endeavor and search from the sky above.
Offering to use his flying magic, Roswaal levitated himself for a moment before settling back down. For obvious reasons now, he wouldn't be grouped up with anyone, as not only was he strong enough to protect himself from practically anything, it made little sense for anyone else to go with him, as he was the only one capable of fight.
Yet, just as everyone set into their pairs, YN looked around and realized—
YN: —I'm the odd man out.
Subaru was with Beatrice, Garfiel with Frederica, Otto with Petra, Roswaal on his own, Emilia with Ryuzu, and with each clone with a fellow clone, YN thought he might truly be alone until—
Beatrice: Why not summon up that Yang Spirit you're contracted to at the very least to avoid being without a group? Subaru is doing the same with Betty, in fact.
Surprising YN, Beatrice's suggestion lacked any sort of backhanded insult or belittlement.
Like how Ram could at times be heavily critical of Subaru, normally, Beatrice was this way to them both as well until late, but before that was the case, when compared Subaru, YN received much worse from her. He was only ever able to figure that this was due to her always referring to him as an 'anomaly,' meaning he had a much stronger bias against him starting out.
After Subaru told me what went on back at the Mansion with the fire and Forbidden Library, and how they had formed a Contract of all things, I get why she's being way nicer to him... but what caused her to change her tone with me? It's not like I stopped being an 'anomaly.'
While YN wished he could take the spirit's suggestion as a form of goodwill to her unusually bitterless tone towards him, he unfortunately had to give her a weak expression and a shake of his head as he replied.
YN: Unfortunately, at least for the moment, I can't...
Emilia: Hmm? Are you having trouble with them again?
Scratching the back of his head as their utmost Spirit's Art user questioned him on this, YN better explained.
YN: Yeah... But it's different than normal... I know they're off doing something else, they aren't just refusing to materialize.
Beatrice: 'They're off doing something else.' What do you mean by this? Are you certain, I suppose?
Still getting a nice tone from Beatrice, YN felt a tincy bit pressured to answer.
YN: That's what Puck told me, actually... During umm—
Stealing a quick glance at Roswaal while he hesitated, YN cleared his throat.
YN: —*Ahem* During last night's ongoings, Puck basically had to drag Algol over to help me with Ram. But they quickly ran back to what they were doing. What that is, I'm not sure. They only agreed to follow Puck to help me initially if he too agreed to not tell me. So I really don't have the faintest clue.
A hand over her mouth, Emilia looked downward in thought as she rested her elbow in her free hand.
Emilia: What strange behavior...
Beatrice: Betty cannot imagine what they would be doing either.
YN: Actually, now that I think about it, from where we were when that happened, where we're at right now is sorta in the direction I think they might have gone off in... I... I guess if it's not too selfish of me to ask... Maybe we could keep an eye out for Algol too while we look for Ryuzu-san's clone?
Emilia: —Ah! N-No! Not at all! If Algol-san is missing too, we should all look for them too, right?
Worried YN might not have said anything at all, Emilia looked with determination to everyone else here, as if asking them too if they could help.
Garfiel: Just tell us sooner about this sorta stuff next time, Ojii-san. I think we'd all be happy to help ya. 'Ronda the Monk closes his temple after dusk for a reason.'
With one of his proverbs going over YN's head, everyone seemed to share Garfiel's mentality and willingness to help in this effort too.
Subaru: I guess if we all know what we're doing, we can start. Look for clues on Ryuzu-san's missing clone, and keep an eye out for a quirky Yang Spirit.
Yet, even as this solution was proposed, the original problem still cropped up—
Subaru: —This still leaves you as the odd one out though still, so I guess just choose a group to be the third wheel with or learn to fly spontaneously alongside Ros-chi.
Finding the second suggestion amusing, Roswaal did wave it off.
Roswaal: I'm afraid it would take the mastery of not only Yang, but Earth and Wind magic for him to learn hooooow to.
While YN hadn't actually considered that, he figured the talent required to learn such a skill was immense anyway.
Garfiel: If ya want, Oji-san, we don't mind havin' you along.
Before YN could answer the youth though, another youth spoke up.
Petra: YN-sama! If you'd prefer, we can force Otto to join the group of three!
Otto: W-Why am I the one being thrown under the carriage here?! You were just as close to being the odd person out as I was!
As Otto pleaded in his usual desperate nature to not be the butt end of situation like he normally was, a new voice entered the conversation.
?: Such an arrangement will not be necessary.
With all eyes turning to her as she spoke, the maid approaching them walked with a slight stiffness to her pace. While she was normally good at hiding pain, right now, there was enough remaining fatigue to make even that impossible to not notice.
YN: Ram...
Both surprised and relieved to see her here, she stopped by his side, and placing a hand on her hip, looked to Otto and Petra.
Ram: It would be a disservice to our maid-in-training to deprive her of this learning opportunity of dealing with simpletons whilst also keeping her composure. Therefore, Ram shall provide a solution to this concern and take YN as her group member.
Otto: Now I'm a simpleton too?!
Almost proudly pushing away competition for YN, Ram was looked at by him now.
YN: Nee-sama, are you sure you're feeling well enough to help search? You should rest if you're still enervated...
Ram: And why would YN all of sudden begin to think so little of Ram? Has she done something to inspire a lack of confidence in him?
More or less saying he should know she was far from her wits end in terms of vitality, given what had happened just the previous night, he could only sigh before he answered.
YN: No no, I'm just worried for you is all. —We all are.
Having to look away from him, Ram shrugged as she maintained her composure.
Ram: It cannot be helped, Ram is just that adored after all.
To this, the groups of two broke out across the nearby forest, looking under brushes, into fallen logs, and anywhere else potentially a Ryuzu clone, or a small spec of white light could possibly hide or be hidden.
With so many groups combining such a small area, the entire area was thoroughly checked in perhaps only a half hour.
At Subaru's whistle, he recalled all those in attendance back to the small clearing.
Frederica: I'm afraid we had no luck.
Petra: Us either...
Touching down from his flight, Roswaal simply just shook his head too, failing to see anything of note.
Subaru: Damn... That's really strange that this Ryuzu replicant went missing... and we still can't find it...
More or less thinking this session of searching was a wash, the time for them to leave and still have daylight by the time they reached their destination was running out.
Otto: Natsuki-san, we really shouldn't delay any further...
Subaru: *Sigh* Yeah, you're right... I'm sorry, Ryuzu-san.
Subaru now looked to YN, and exchanged a look with him. They both felt the same thing; was this their sole casualty from conquering the Sanctuary? Or was this totally unrelated? They'd both have liked to come out of this without any losses, but could they ethically accept this?
Before either could really contemplate that though, it was Ryuzu herself that spoke back up now.
Ryuzu: Emilia-sama, a few of the pairs of replicants haven't returned yet. I do not think they heard Su-bo's call to come back. Could you please use your Command Authority to direct them back?
Emilia: Umm, how exactly would I go about doing that?
Not really understanding this power herself, Ryuzu took the time to adequately explain the entire thing to the half-elf, and in the meantime—
Beatrice: —YN.
Approaching him, the small drill-haired girl looked up.
Beatrice: Just as the half-d—, Emilia, is learning about how to control her new power, so shall you, in fact.
Surprised to be spoken to so calmly by her, let alone to be approached by her, YN nodded down to her.
Beatrice: It seems you have little grasp of what it means to be a spirit arts user, so while the one who should be teaching you is occupied, Betty shall help you better understand your own abilities and make it so your own contracted spirit returns at once.
Even more surprised to hear her offering him help, YN didn't want to waste this opportunity.
YN: T-That would be most appreciated, Beatrice-sama.
Taking his side, Beatrice pointed out into the forest.
Beatrice: If you still believe you may have a rough idea of where they are, it helps if you're able to mentally picture where they might be. Now tell Betty, has YN learned to recognize and feel the contract between himself and his contracted spirit?
Shutting his eyes to visualize like Beatrice had asked him to, YN nodded to her question.
YN: Yeah, Puck actually told me about that last night.
Beatrice: As expected of Bubby, in fact. YN will want to go about feeling that connection again, but this time, imagine yourself beckoning them towards you. This can take the mental image of you reaching out towards them, or gesturing for them to come closer. It is different for everyone, I suppose.
YN: I-I see... I'll try that.
Beatrice: It is not so hard to achieve. Rest assured, you will leave this place with your spirit by your side unless either of you choose to break that Contract.
YN: I'm pretty sure that hasn't happened, so I just gotta try to get them to come back...
As YN faced the forest, concentrating, his eyes closed, Emilia was in a nearly identical situation. As Beatrice stood to YN's side, Ryuzu stood to Emilia's.
With the entire Camp looking on at this, silent, the bushes on the opposite side of the clearing began to rustle with activity. After a moment, out popped two pairs of Ryuzu clones.
Otto: Ah that's them.
Garfiel quickly performed another headcount of the clones, and going by twos it was done.
Garfiel: That's all of em' Granny.
Just as soon as he said this though, Emilia shook her head.
Emilia: No, no... I... I feel like there's another one out there? It's hard to describe...
Tilting her own head at Emilia's observation, Ryuzu looked out to the forest with a look of curiosity.
Ryuzu: I cannot say I do...
And just as Ryuzu said this, YN now spoke up, only that his words were on his own ongoing struggle.
YN: H-Hey, I... I feel Algol again. I think I was able to order them back! It sorta is like they're getting closer.
Emilia, still not standing far off from YN, opened one of her own eyes now and better elaborated her own experience.
Emilia: It... It feels like a spirit actually. I can vaguely interpret its presence... But I only felt it the moment the missing pairs responded to my command...
Finding the coincidence off-putting, the rest of the camp could only look on and try to figure out what everything meant.
YN: They're definitely coming back this way...
Emilia: Is it maybe Algol I'm feeling?
Now asking this of YN, he couldn't give the half-elf a solid answer.
YN: I have no idea. Maybe? We'll have to see...
A moment later, nearby where the brush had rustled before, it began to rustle once more.
Garfiel: I ain't never seen no spirit need to push itself through the undergrowth...
Growing weary as to what this was, Garfiel slightly lowered his stance, as if to be cautious.
Garfiel: Granny, you sure this ain't one'a yer's?
Ryuzu: Yes... I'm certain... I don't feel a thing...
Only serving to make everyone else slightly weary now to what this was, YN went to speak.
YN: I'm almost certain, by my own feeling, that this—
Cutting off his words though, about to say he was certain it was Algol approaching, a figure emerged from the brush.
Ryuzu: —?!
Seemingly, Ryuzu was wrong.
Out from the brush, had emerged a lone clone of herself.
Otto: Is... Is this our missing replicant?
Wanting to shake her head and deny it, Ryuzu was at a loss for words as she stared at a replicant she herself could not feel.
Ryuzu: This feels more like looking into a mirror...
While not meaning the exact looks were the same, the small, pink-haired elf rather meant the feeling was more akin to seeing someone identical to yourself that you obviously didn't share a conscious connection with, like your reflection in a mirror. To her, this brought about an uncanny feeling.
With everyone unsure what to make of even Ryuzu's apprehension, it was Subaru that stepped out in front of even YN and Emilia now, but gestured to this new replicant.
Subaru: Uhh, you guys might wanna take a closer look.
As Subaru gestured to his own forehead, he got both Emilia and YN to notice it.
Emilia: Is that...?
YN: Well, we found it.
Not speaking strictly of the missing replicant, YN looked back to Ram, and using his head, gestured for her to come look too.
Ram, now also looking at this newcomer, standing still across the clearing by the brush, had her one ruby red eye open wide, but then narrow again.
Ram: Just how did this one get a hold of it?
YN: They might have taken it off her when we weren't looking. This one in particular seemed pretty curious about her when she was here.
While not exactly a lie, YN knew that thus far, in this Loop, this particular replicant hadn't yet met whom he was speaking of.
Recognizing it now too, Subaru turned to YN with a question, his tone hinting he too hadn't expected this.
Subaru: That's not Pico, is it? She's got Rem's hair-clip...
Ryuzu: 'Pico?' Was there a replicant you had named I was unaware of?
Confused by this sudden familiarity with this particular replicant, Ryuzu asked this too of YN.
Answering them both, he posed a question of his own to Ryuzu.
YN: Was the clone you felt go missing suddenly the youngest and newest one? —Still a little slow and not very experienced?
Her eyes widening somewhat to the accurate description of the exact replicant that was not accounted for, she confirmed it to him with a timid nod.
Ryuzu: Yes... But I don't see how Y-bo could have known that...
Silently saying this under her breath, YN now looked to Subaru again and spoke.
YN: There's your answer.
With Subaru familiar with Pico and her odd fascination with Rem, it was now that Emilia rejoined this conversation.
Emilia: Um, Pico-san... We've been looking for you. All of your... hmm... sisters are going to be coming with us and we'd rather not leave you behind.
Like talking to a small, scared child, it greatly reminded Subaru of how Emilia had spoken to the Appa salesmen's lost daughter in a fargone Loop YN wasn't even privy to.
Slowly now though, Pico walked over at Emilia's kind, goading words.
Silently, all watched as she approached. There was something strange about this, and how everything seemed to be playing out. There was hesitation and anticipation in the air no one could quite describe, but it wasn't like this seemed overly suspicious, or even ominous in any way.
Pico: — — —
Now at their group, the small pink-haired elf looked up to Emilia, and then to Ryuzu to her side, blank faced and expressionless as she did.
But, in rare form, and outside any given order from either Emilia or Ryuzu, she turned and now walked past Subaru and Ram, and now stood in front of YN and Beatrice like she had just in front of the half-elf previously.
The replicant first tuned to look at Beatrice, and in response, she was silently gazed back at in return. The Great Spirit's butterfly eyes seemed to be seeing something no one else could at this moment, but only Subaru noticed this, yet she did not say a word.
Pico: — — —
Now turning her gaze up to YN, the "X" shaped hair-clip gently caught the late-morning sun to his back and glittered its pink color brightly.
There was no mistaking it, this was Rem's own signature accessory on this one's bangs of lighter pink.
YN: — — —
As YN stared back in wordless reply to the short elf girl though, something in the back of his mind made him begin to feel some form of doubt.
Pico: — — —
YN: — — —
YN was aware that everyone else's gaze was currently on him, and he could feel that was the case. However, this new feeling he had taking over his psyche made him pay little attention to his own self-image.
Pico(?): — — —
YN: —?
To his very surprise now though, what was almost like a glint of emotion entered the eyes of this short elf that should otherwise be devoid of it, at least, until a personality formed.
Beatrice (whisper): It cannot be... I suppose...
Also now clearly feeling something was not normal, Beatrice could no longer hold her tongue as she now spoke under her breath, her words only being heard by those who had thus been visited by Pico.
Pico(?): — — —
YN: — — —
Continuing to stare up at him, there was a slight twitch on the corner of her mouth, which to YN's utter shock, formed a toothy smirk of a smile.
?: — — —
YN: —?!
Certainly, this was not a Ryuzu clone. Not anymore, at least.
At this display of such a unique expression from someone who should not be capable of one, the six standing before them now had their eyes wide open.
?: — — —
YN: —!
Still gazing upward at YN, one of these cerulean eyes of hers now closed, and the arm belonging to her opposite side rose up. With her long sleeve falling down her wrist just enough to get her hand free, the replicant's newly exposed hand's first two fingers formed a "V" with her thumb also out.
?: — — —
YN: — — —
Taken back, all were silent still until Emilia gasped, placing her hands over her mouth and only then speaking through their cupped shape, as if she had been the first to realize something.
Emilia: That's not—?! Is it—?!
With her eyes of amethyst open wide, she looked over to Beatrice, who's eyes were just as wide as hers were, but refused to take her vision off the pink-haired elf before her.
Beatrice: It... There can be no other explanation, in fact.
To this exchange, Subaru could only snap his gaze back and forth between his contracted spirit, and the woman he loved, as if seeking any hint of understanding they seemed to have and he lacked. Getting nothing from either, he then looked to Ryuzu for answers, but only found that she too was in a deadpan expression, however, her face radiated the simple message of disbelief.
And then, finally breaking the growing silence of this tense moment, the one before them took in a short breath, and out from them—
?: Algol, desu.
—a voice that shouldn't have been able to speak, now spoke.
YN: Huh?
A voice much like Ryuzu's own, yet much more youthful sounding, and full of energy fluttered into the still, silent air.
Ram & Subaru: Huh?
And finally, hitting everyone else at once, the reality of what, —or rather, who this was, caught up to them.
Everyone: —HUH?!
Smiling big and brightly now, her entrance was all she had hoped it would be.
Algol: Ehehe!
A/N: There is art here at the very end of this chapter that's not visible for FFnet readers for obvious reasons! Please check out the story on AO3 or WP if you would like to see it.
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. This new introduction was one I had been planning on having for a long time, and I am really curious of all of your thoughts about it, as it was something I had really enjoyed the idea of adding.
If you enjoyed the artwork, it was made by Notperf_Art on twitter!
Till next week!