A/N: Now begins the last Arc 2 short story adaptation I will be doing! This one is based off of the short story known as "The False Court Mage" which was beautifully adapted in the EX04 MANGA (Easily findable as Chapter 2, Volume 5 of the RE:Zero Manga. "Chapter" basically meaning "Arc" in this usage of the word, and the "5th" Volume for that Chapter. This is the Manga book with an illustration of Neko-Rem and Ram on the cover, and basically adapts a few WN only short stories in it, and takes place AFTER Arc 2's finale, and before Arc 3 in the main canon.) I really, REALLY recommend if you haven't read at least this short story I'm adapting here, that you do so since it's one of my personal favorites in all of RE:Zero.
This'll be split into 3, maybe 4 parts total, so after these chapters, a new hiatus will begin whilst I write Arc 3's adaption. I already have had an art piece made for Arc 3 that I think many of you will enjoy, but unfortunately, due to FFnet's limitations on images, it will only be viewable on other platforms this story is published on.
But enough of the A/N, lets start the next chapter!
Chapter 73: Drowning
Rubbing the tiredness from his eyes, YN sat up in bed. Seeing the late morning light filter through the curtains of his bedroom, two realizations hit him.
That's odd... Why isn't Rem here to wake me up?
This was the first time in a long time that he'd woken up on his own.
But also—
Why is it so late?
Putting a hand to his head, YN recalled the night before.
YN: That's right... Rem put me to sleep again with her magic...
Slowly putting together his memories, he remembered this was all about his memories.
YN: Rem must have brought me here after we talked, but that doesn't explain why she never came to wake me up...
Somewhat put off by the fact Rem had done so and was now not present, YN felt a small hair of anxiety grow in him.
I need to go find Rem. Maybe she's upset or something—
Putting his feet on the floor, YN noticed he was not in the clothes he fell asleep in.
YN: Huh?
Touching his pants and shirt, he quickly came to realize he was in the same clothes he originally wore when coming to this world.
YN: I was in my usual work clothes, but Rem did take me to Beatrice so it makes sense I should have changed but... I don't remember doing that.
Feeling a heat come across his face, YN could only draw one conclusion.
Did Rem change my clothes while I was asleep?!
Breathing out his hot air, YN stood up and out of bed. Determined to seek answers.
I've got to get to the bottom of this! I'm getting mixed signals about everything.
Walking across the floor, YN opened his door and set down the hallway.
Having checked the kitchen, the tea room, and Rem's own bedroom, YN found that the mansion was fairly deserted.
YN: Where is everyone...?
I know Rem said Roswaal, Ram, and Subaru were going to be leaving to handle some business about getting Subaru's Gate treated... But where are Rem and Emilia?
YN: Emilia...
Snapping his fingers, YN hadn't looked in one particular room.
Marching back upstairs, YN rounded the corner to the floor just above the one his and Rem's own rooms were on, and came to the first set of double doors. Ornately decorated with brass knobs and hinges, painted a stark, snow white, and with small accents of purple on the flower-like engravings in the door's wood, it could only be one person's room.
Emilia's room...
YN had only been here a few times, but he couldn't recall ever going inside.
I slept in pretty late... I wonder if she did too...
Hesitant to knock, thinking it might be rude to wake up the most important person in the house, YN instead put up an ear to the door, hoping to hear that maybe she was awake and studying.
? (muffled): Emilia-sama, the tea is ready. Would she like to take a break and have some?
Emilia: (muffled): Hmmm, yes. I'm at a good stopping point.
Hearing a few chairs being moved about and the light clatter of tea cups being set out, YN recognized the other voice, as angelic as it ever was.
Knowing how it would be okay now, YN went to knock, but was stopped as he heard the voices a bit clearer now, as if they had both taken seats closer to the door. While their voices were still muffled by the presence of the door, he could easily make out what they were saying.
Emilia: Rem, can I ask you a question about YN?
Rem: Of course. Rem can answer anything about her YN-kun.
Emilia: I see... Well, I was wondering... Did he say he noticed anything odd happen with his Gate as of late? I know he's gotten tired of me asking…
This again?
Rem: Rem is afraid she hasn't heard him say anything of the likes... But Rem does know that if he does experience anything, he would tell Emilia-sama right away.
Emilia: That's good to hear at least... I hope he doesn't think I'm annoying.
Rem: YN-kun and Rem have talked about this, it's not that he is annoyed, rather Rem thinks he's beginning to feel like he's failing to notice something.
I guess that is true... She wouldn't keep asking the same question for no reason at all...
Emilia: I suppose that's not far from the truth...
With a moment of silence between the two, Rem spoke up once more.
Rem: Emilia-sama, is there something wrong with YN-kun's Gate?
Emilia: No, nothing at all. It is stretched, and because of that he may have problems with his mana control, but he should be able overcome that once he realizes—
While he could not see it, he could clearly picture her holding a hand over her mouth, preventing herself from saying too much.
Rem: Emilia-sama?
Emilia: Sorry, if Puck was here I wouldn't have said so much... I promised him I wouldn't tell anyone.
'If Puck was here?' He must be off with Beatrice...
With there being more silence between the two, Rem was the first to speak back up again.
Rem: Then Rem can imply since it's a promise between Emilia-sama and the Great Spirit-sama, it's useless to ask for any more information.
Emilia: Sorry, but yes. It's something he'll need to figure out on his own.
Rem: — — —
After another moment of silence, YN could tell by the way Rem was late in responding to what Emilia was saying, she was maybe becoming either agitated something about him was being kept from her, or that she was worried about something she could not control.
Rem: —And if he does not 'figure this out on his own,' then what?
Emilia: I'll be the one to inform him. Puck said if need be, I can.
Rem: Emilia-sama—
Hearing the tone in Rem's voice change slightly, in a rare form, Emilia cut her off.
Emilia: I understand you're worried. But please don't be. It's nothing bad, I can promise you that.
Rem: Rem sees then. If it's Emilia-sama herself promising that, Rem must trust her judgment on the matter.
Emilia: Thank you. YN is perfectly fine, don't worry. Especially since he has someone who can care about him so much.
Rem: Rem does adore her YN-kun very much.
Emilia: I don't really know the right word to describe it... But sometimes I feel I wish I had just a bit of the same relationship you have with him.
Rem: Emilia-sama?
Emilia: You two can talk to each other about whatever you need to. Sometimes it even seems like you and him are in better sync then you are with Ram.
Looking down into her tea cup, still steaming from its heat, Rem recalled one of the memories from YN's mind.
They do seem to have their own chemistry. Emilia-sama and YN-kun work well together in a physical altercation, much better than he does with Rem...
Slightly wrapping her fingers around her tea cup more securely, Rem could still picture just how bad her and YN were when in the same situation.
It may be because we care too much about each other to be effective like that. We have the trust, but with how strong our other feelings are, it dwarfs that trust.
Beginning to wonder where the conversation was going though, Rem felt her internal thoughts become somewhat defensive.
No! No one could have what Rem and her YN-kun have! He said that himself.
Continuing though, Emilia went on.
Emilia: I just feel like out of everyone here at the mansion, including Beatrice, I know him the least well. And it makes me feel guilty since he's done so much for me. Between the Capitol, the mabeast attack, and now the events from a few days ago...
Hearing her set her cup down, Emilia concluded her point.
Emilia: I'm glad Subaru knows I appreciate him, but do you think YN knows that too?
Rem: Rem will be sure to inform him.
Emilia: I would reeeeally appreciate it. Especially since I don't think I'll have the time to someday soon...
Rem: Does Emilia-sama expect to be more occupied as the Royal Selection draws clearer?
Emilia: Hmm, yes, but more so because...
Hearing she was being hesitant when saying what was on her mind, YN waited for the stated reason with baited breath.
Emilia: —A-Aren't you both...?
Seeing she was really struggling, Rem took a sip of her tea, but upon hearing the half elf complete her sentence, she nearly spat it back out.
Emilia: Aren't you both.. expecting a child sometime soon?
YN: —hk!
Rem: Ach! E-Emilia-sama! W-Why do—!? YN-kun and Rem haven't—!
Absolutely stunned how Emilia could ever come to such a conclusion, Rem had completely lost her composure.
Emilia: Y-You both kissed! On the lips! That means you're going to have a baby!
Rem: Emilia-sama, Rem believes you're—?!
*Thud!*
Hearing a thud from outside Emilia's bedroom door, they each went silent as they waited to see what the noise was.
YN (muffled): Owe... My head...
Rem: Y-YN-kun!
Rushing up, Rem ran for the door and opened it wide.
Rem: YN-kun! How long were—?!
Seemingly more concerned about what he had heard rather than if he was okay, Rem was all in a small, yet cute panic. But seeing stars after he lost his balance and hit his head against the door from overhearing Emilia's brash assumption, YN struggled to form the right words.
YN: I... I woke up this morning... and you weren't there...
Rem: YN-kun is still drowsy... No wonder. He hasn't even changed into his work clothes yet.
Helping him stand, Rem guided him inside to Emilia's room.
Seeing the half elf with her hands over her scarlet face still, her ear tips were almost as red as well. Speaking through her fingers, Emilia softly asked Rem a question.
Emilia: Rem, did he overhear—?
Rem: YN-kun was stumbling down the hallway is all Rem thinks. He must be disoriented after having woken up and his Rem not being there to properly wake him.
Knowing that wasn't the case, YN decided it was just easier to go with that.
That would leave it to us having to explain babies to Emilia... No thanks...
Being sat on a small sofa with a table before it, Rem placed a hot cup of tea before him, right next to her own. And just like their tea cups, sat herself next to him.
Rem: Here, have this.
Taking a sip of Rem's offered tea, like everything she made, it tasted wonderful.
YN: Thanks, I can feel the effects already.
Well, that's mostly because I was already awake, but it is good...
Setting the cup down, YN got his first good look at the blue haired maid, and noticed something particular.
YN: Hey, I haven't seen you wear that since your day off.
Seeing Rem slightly blush upon hearing that, he had not expected to see her in this dress any time soon. Just like before, the addition of the shouldered top and the ever present maid-like characteristics of her dress gave off an aura of cuteness and modesty her normal shoulder-less maid outfit could not.
Patting the dress smooth, Rem smiled at him.
Rem: Rem remembered how much you liked it. But, she chose to wear it today mostly because all her other outfits needed to be washed.
Emilia: The last few days have really affected a lot of the normal functions of the mansion, hasn't it?
Rem: Yes, especially the laundry. With Nee-sama having prioritized other chores, the laundry seemed to have become rather neglected... Rem has much of it hung up now... But speaking of that, it's more than likely been long enough for it all to dry completely... Rem shall depart to go fold it.
YN: W-wait! Let me help too!
Offering her hand as she stood, Rem nodded at the offered assistance. Taking her hand though, one more voice spoke up.
Emilia: Umm. If you both want, and if it's a lot... I can help too...
Rem: Emilia-sama, Rem cannot allow that. Besides, doesn't she still have her studies to attend to?
Emilia: I maybe was just... just going to be lonely if you both left...
Hearing the dejection in her voice, what she said earlier also repeated itself in YN's mind as well.
Emilia: I just feel like out of everyone here at the mansion, including Beatrice, I know him the least well.
Getting an idea in his head, YN stood up and placed a hand on Rem's shoulder as she went to leave.
YN: Hey, what if we brought the laundry back up here? We can fold it in here and keep Emilia-sama company.
Putting a hand to her chin, Rem couldn't find an issue with the suggestion.
Rem: Alright, we would have to bring Emilia-sama's laundry up here anyway, so it should not be an issue.
Turning to the half elf, she wore a small grin on her face as he spoke to her.
YN: Sounds like we'll be right back.
Seeing her nod, Rem and YN departed to fetch the laundry.
Folding laundry while in Emilia's room, Rem and YN had taken over the sofa and tea table with their sorted stacks of clothes while Emilia had moved back to her study desk.
Emilia: I really have to say, it's quiet without everyone else around.
Rem: Yes, it certainly is. Is that why Emilia-sama requested to work with us?
Emilia: Mostly. It's just hard to concentrate when it's so silent I can hear myself think.
YN: I didn't realize Subaru and everyone else made that much noise working around the mansion with how big it is.
Emilia: It changes throughout the day. Whether it's you working outside early in the morning, Subaru dusting in a nearby room, Rem sweeping the halls, Ram scolding Subaru, or Beatrice and Puck playing, there's always something going on I can hear.
Rem: And with half of the other usual residents gone, it must be quite noticeable.
Emilia: Maybe I'm just making too big of a deal out of it... I should just be glad Subaru is going to get treatment for his injured Gate.
Noting again the reason Subaru, Ram, and Roswaal were all not currently present, YN worked through his share of the clothes to be folded until—
Rem: Oh! Roswaal-sama's regalia.
YN: Wow, I had no idea this whole thing was one piece.
Holding up the clown costume, YN felt the weight of the entire garment. Surprised by its heft, he could instantly tell it was from the fine quality of fabric it was made from.
Rem: Rem thinks Nee-sama would be rather upset if she knew anyone else was folding Roswaal-sama's clothes. Perhaps YN-kun should let Rem handle folding this, it needs to be done in a specific way—
Emilia: Would she really get that upset from someone just folding it? What if she saw someone else wearing it? Wouldn't that be worse?
Perhaps not fully understanding why Ram would be upset, Emilia questioned Rem's immediate hesitation with letting YN handle it.
YN: Eh, Emilia-sama, I appreciate the support, but I have to agree with Rem on this maybe. I don't want to get on Nee-sama's bad side and—
But, having given Rem an idea, Emilia had made the oni have a sudden change in priority.
Rem: Could Rem convince YN-kun to try it on by chance? She's... curious about something.
YN: Uhhhh, can I ask why?
Surprised by Rem's sudden suggestion, YN could not understand why she would want him to do such a thing, especially given as taboo as he might have thought this would be to her.
Rem: Rem wants to see if it would be possible for Nee-sama to see YN-kun in a new light. It may even help deepen their bond!
YN: I... I guess...
I swear, it's like sometimes she wants to share me with her sister or something...
With YN's brain being unable to both try and decipher what Rem's end goal was, and figure out how to wear this clown costume, YN prioritized the latter as he tried to fit the outfit over his existing clothes. Getting it on, he pulled the sleeves tight and adorned the pair of gloves Roswaal was usually seen in as well.
Feeling the uniform was on, he felt a tad embarrassed and nervous. Hoping to shake that feeling though, he cleared his throat, and tried to make the best of the situation he was in.
YN: *Ahem!* Hooooooow~ do I loooook~?
Giving his best impression of the wizard's notorious speech pattern as he could, it was Emilia who was the most amused by it.
Emilia: That's so funny! I wish Puck was here to see this too.
Giving him a small applause, YN turned to Rem, expecting to see a cold face for making fun of her employer. Yet rather, she simply had a hand to her chin again.
Rem: While the tone of voice is off, the body language and the way the words were spoken is very convincing. And aside from the obvious differences in physique, YN-kun could make a very good doppelganger for Roswaal-sama if the need ever arose.
Emilia: Maybe if he had the makeup as well, it would be more convincing?
YN: U-Uh, I don't know about makeup... Isn't that going a bit far—
Emilia: Just think if you went and saw Beatrice and Puck while dressed like that! They'd both find it very funny, I'm sure!
Looking over to Rem to hopefully have this joke reined in, it seemed Emilia's words had once again convinced the blue haired maid of otherwise.
But, as caring as Rem was, she could see YN was getting more uncomfortable as this went on. Choosing to hold back her further curiosities for his sake, she simply looked upon him, silently telling him it was his choice if he wants to continue with this.
I guess I do owe Emilia for everything she's done, offering to treat me and Subaru for anything that might be wrong with our Gates...
YN: Fine, I'll play along.
I suppose it would potentially get me some good points with Beatrice if she finds it funny. She's not always fond of Roswaal I can tell.
Gently giving his agreement a single clap in enthusiasm, Rem set down the garments she was folding.
Rem: Emilia-sama, Rem may need help applying the makeup just right, so her and YN-kun shall go retrieve the needed materials and bring them back here.
Nodding in excitement to Rem's plan, Emilia stood from her desk.
Emilia: I'll clear off my beauty stand so we have something to work on. But, I don't have a mirror in here though...
Rem: That's why Rem would like to ask for Emilia-sama's opinion as we go along. An observer is more valuable than a mirror.
While Rem was familiar with why Emilia lacked a mirror, it only served to confuse YN more.
Huh? Why no mirror?
Finding himself unable to ask though, Rem quickly led him by the sleeve out into the hallway to retrieve the needed makeup kit.
Rem: We shall be back shortly.
Just starting to clear a few brushes and other beauty objects off her vanity, Emilia cheerfully nodded as Rem and Roswaal's "soon-to-be doppelganger" stepped out of view and into the hall. As the door shut, and the two took their first pair of steps away, YN tried to ask his previous question which he found very odd.
YN: Hey, Rem, is there any reason Emilia doesn't have a mirror in her room? Is it elf superstition or something else—
Cutting his words instantly, a bright flash of white light erupted all around them, followed by a definite feeling of weightlessness.
What the hell?!
As his vision filled with white, YN reached out and grabbed Rem at the very last second as the blinding abyss swallowed them both up in an instant. Holding the oni as close as he could to him out of pure instinct and reflex, YN braced for whatever came next. Unable to open his eyes, he tensed as he surrounded the body of the one who held his heart as much he could, hoping to shield her from anything that came their way.
Feeling a sense of baring return to them both, YN also felt the blinding light on his tightly shut eyelids begin to subside. Straining his eyes, he struggled to adjust to the definite change in location.
Looking all about, YN saw a stark white room. Bleach white. As bright as could be. From all angles, all he saw was white.
YN: No... Don't tell me—?!
Feeling his entire body tense at the sheer familiarly of the room, YN was struck with a terrible fear.
D-Don't—, Don't tell me...
Beginning to breathe heavily now, all sorts of warning chimes and alarms were beginning to go off in his mind.
Don't tell me I just died!
Feeling the uncanny sensation of the white expanse he was used to seeing upon his death when the conditions were such that he had perished while Subaru remained alive, YN began to panic.
But how?! Me and Rem were just in the hallway and then—!
?: Um, YN-kun.
Snapping him out of his mental anguish, the voice of an angel had her words carried to his ears. While she may be considered a demon to some, an oni. To YN, she was the one who was his guardian angel.
With his arms still wrapped around her, protecting her from whatever might have just happened, YN had let the shock of his surroundings neglect what was right in front of him.
Uncovering her, he knelt down to see if she was alright.
YN: Rem!? Rem, how did you get here!?
Unsure of what this meant, YN held his hands on Rem's shoulders. Usually, his hands would be touching her delicate skin, exposed from her normal maid attire, but in this case, her "day-off" outfit covered them.
Noting the continued existence of what his consciousness knew had really occurred moments before being taken here, YN concluded it was unlikely he was hallucinating Rem's existence here in the white expanse as his mind raced with a thousand thoughts a second.
And I'm still wearing Roswaal's outfit... That's strange to say the least and not what I'm expected to seeing when I come here...
Regaining her bearings though, Rem shook her head as her azure eyes slowly opened in the bright expanse.
Rem: YN-kun, what happened? Did Rem fall?
YN: I... I don't know... But, I know this place... I think.
Rem: Why is everything so bright? Are we still in the mansion?
YN: I... can't say...
Looking up and around her, Rem took in the same white nothingness YN saw.
Rem: ...Where are we?
Bringing her vision back to meet YN's, Rem had a sense of bewilderment on her face as she looked to the person who held her heart for answers. Gazing back into her eyes, he struggled to answer. While he wanted to take in the moment and fawn over how cute she looked in her dress coupled with her curious expression, YN swallowed the lump in his throat.
YN: Rem, do you remember what I told you...? About when I die, but Subaru is still alive...?
Rem: Rem recalls YN-kun telling her about a—
Seeing her eyes go wide in shock, they became much more solid in color. A certain twinkle they normally had escaped them upon her realization. As she began to tremble slightly, YN reached for her hands.
YN: Hey, hey. Hold on. Stay with me.
Feeling their hands touch and give her security, a bit of the life she had before returned to her eyes.
Rem: YN-kun goes to a white expanse. A plain of existence that is existential by its very nature. Hostile, yet un-threatening. Cold and desolate, yet also fatiguing.
Describing it better then he ever could have hoped to, Rem seemed to understand what he had meant now. While they both remained speechless, Rem began to stand again, and up with her also came YN, keeping his hands on her shoulders.
But why would we both end up here?
Looking down at the maid while in thought, he dreaded telling Rem that there was nothing they could do besides, wait.
Damn it, why can't I provide some kind of solution... I really don't want to see Rem suffer from dread...
Being more concerned over the state of Rem then even why they had so suddenly turned up here, YN knew it was pointless trying to force his mind to think of something. He'd spent so many hours, days even in this space, dozing off and feeling absolutely drained for energy.
YN: *Sigh* Rem, I hate it say, but I think the only thing we can do is—
Rem: YN-kun.
Cutting his words off, Rem tilted her torso to the side, trying to look beyond the regalia YN still wore. Blocking Rem's vision past him, the tall, standing collar of Roswaal's outfit on YN had shifted slightly, allowing Rem to see something peculiar.
Pointing past him, Rem's eyes had all their usually present life return to them. A beacon of hope had been lit. Unsure of what she could be pointing to in an expanse of nothingness, YN slowly turned around.
Awaiting, behind him, was a door, several dozen paces away. Large and formidable, it had the appearance of a blast door in a bunker of some kind. Dark and iron, it was very misplaced.
But squinting his eyes, the door was not just freestanding. No. It was on a wall. A wall as white and featureless as the floor. And the ceiling. And the three other walls around it.
While unsure if these features had just taken shape or that the perceived expanse had at first overwhelmed them, YN quickly realized they were in a finite space.
YN: What the hell...?
Turning all around, he suddenly realized Rem and him were standing in the midst of a square room. Each wall, white in color, had one iron door in the center of each. As they both craned their heads looking about, the only two in the room bumped back into each, oblivious of their own positions.
YN & Rem: Oh!
Rather than exchanging an excuse, the two remained with their mind at the task at hand.
Rem: This is beginning to seem less familiar to YN-kun?
YN: Yeah... Now that you mention it, this place doesn't have the same atmosphere as the white expanse. Usually by now, you start to feel tired and fatigued.
Rem: Rem is fine in regards to that, YN-kun is then too?
Nodding at the maid, she walked past him. Approaching the first door she had seen, Rem put her hands behind her back and tilted her entire body slightly in curiosity before turning back to face YN.
Rem: Then we can openly conclude that this is not the White Expanse YN-kun has seen before, but some other location. But furthermore, Rem would like to rule out that we appear to be dead.
YN: I have to say I agree. But if not there, where are we then? Did we stumble into some kind of 'backrooms' area for Beatrice's Forbidden Library?
Putting a hand to her chin, Rem shook her head after a moment of thought.
Rem: In order for Beatrice-sama's magic to take effect, a door must be opened.
YN: And we were already out in the hallway. Away from any doors.
Rem: YN-kun, as much as Rem doesn't want to, she must conclude that this is some sort of trap.
YN: A... trap?
Rem: Yes. With Nee-sama, Subaru-kun, and Roswaal-sama being absent, and the only remaining residents of the mansion being both the Great Spirit-sama's and Emilia-sama, the only conclusion Rem can draw is this is a trap to occupy us.
YN: As much of a stretch as it is... Between the theft at the Capitol, the mabeast attack, and what occurred in Saluzzo, it's more than likely just that, isn't it?
Nodding solemnly to YN, they both agreed, this was not a good or fortunate thing to be happening to them.
YN: Well, now what? Should we wait?
Rem: Rem would not like to. If we're only being occupied like this, then the target can only be Emilia-sama.
YN: Which means we need to act fast...
Seeing the blue haired maid try and think more, YN noticed the expression on her face. While definitely troubled, she seemed to remain rather calm nonetheless. It seemed out of place for her to act so especially since she had just been on the cusp of dread before, forcing YN to guess she was suppressing her emotions.
YN: Hey Rem... You're not... ya know... struggling are you?
Almost surprised at his words, Rem turned her attention back to him, and shook her head.
Rem: No. While yes, Rem might be acting normally, it's only because her YN-kun is here that she is able to keep herself together.
Smiling brightly at YN, Rem let her feelings be known.
Rem: YN-kun is Rem's hero. There is no one else she would rather rely on to save her. She could trust no one else to be as able to, not even the Sword Saint.
Looking down now, Rem finished her thoughts.
Rem: Besides, YN-kun hasn't told Rem that we've failed yet. She also cannot smell the scent, so she is aware this is our first attempt. So Rem and YN-kun can work on this together, and solve it. Rem wants to prove to her YN-kun he can also rely on her, and that means she needs to get it right this time. Not the next.
YN: Rem...
Moved by Rem's devotion to the things she could not control, what she did do as well was spark a possible solution in YN's mind.
YN: —Wait, that gives me an idea.
Putting his hands on the oni's shoulders in a very assertive way, Rem blushed as he did so.
YN: Rem.
Looking up at him with a twinkle in her eye, the beauty of her hair and the dress she wore had almost made YN hold his tongue, but knowing he must at least try, he steeled his nerves, and tensed his body for what came next.
YN: —I can, with the help of Subaru, Return by Death.
Keeping his eyes locked with Rem's, YN awaited the hand of punishment to reprimand him for saying something.
Yet, nothing.
Rem: — — —
YN: Do... Do I smell like the Witch?
Taking two sniffs of the air, Rem shook her head.
Rem: No... Why was YN-kun trying to invoke a punishment though?
YN: If I, or Subaru say it, we both get punished.
Rem: Rem sees then. YN-kun was trying to send Subaru-kun a message of distress, like in the tower.
YN: Exactly, but...
Rem: It no longer works with Rem, does it?
Shaking his head, YN spoke in a lower tone.
YN: No... It doesn't.
Damn... Just like before, I'm not like Subaru... I can't just find the way out of these predicaments like he can.
Seeing it take an obvious physiological effect on him, Rem formed two fists in her hands and shook them at her sides.
Rem: YN-kun did find something out by doing that though!
Looking at the blue haired girl, he saw the look of determination and assurance across her face. With a slight frown, but the feelings of sincerity and care in her eyes, she explained.
Rem: If YN-kun was able to say that so openly, he has proven that we are not being watched. Whoever, or whatever has taken us to this place is not actively keeping an eye over us.
Raising his brow at such a smart conclusion, YN had never thought to use the punishment of saying that out loud as a tool to determine if he was being listened in on.
But knowing if they weren't being looked after, that could only draw back to one earlier theory.
YN: Then that can only truly mean we're simply being distracted then, isn't it?
Nodding in agreement as she watched him walk past her, YN approached one of the four iron doors.
YN: Then our only course of action is to try one of these doors. Sitting around and doing nothing won't get us anywhere.
Rem: Rem thinks the same. Shall we enter one?
YN: I think we have to.
Putting his hand on the doorknob, YN took a deep breath.
YN: If this is some sort of stalling mechanism, let's get through it as fast as we can, and catch them with their pants down.
Rem: Yes.
Stepping into the next room, YN and Rem were greeted with identical scenery. Or lack-there-of.
Looking around, this room managed to have even less in it. There were no other doors, just another identically sized white room. Checking every angle as they stepped inside, Rem and YN stopped halfway between the center of the room and the door they had just entered from.
Putting a hand over her chest, Rem tilted her head as she spoke to YN.
Rem: Should we try one of the other doors?
Shrugging, yet also agreeing with the maid, YN lamented.
YN: I mean, what other choice do we have? I guess we should be thankful though, this doesn't seem like an endless maze of rooms somehow, or some looping sequence of doors that you need to memorize, but puts you back at the begining if you mess up—
Having folded his arms as he tried to find the positive side of their outcome, the sound of the door they came through slamming shut cut off his words.
Rem: -hk!
YN: Shit, I don't like that— Phwa!
Stalling his speech once more, YN was pushed from the side. Knocking him to his knees, he went to go catch himself, but rather than landing on the white floor he might have expected, he instead landed in a puddle of water.
No, not a puddle.
The whole room now had water covering its floor.
Quickly standing back up, YN realized it had been the sudden starting torrent of this water that had knocked him down. With the water already up to his shins and rising, Rem called out to him, snapping him out of his shock.
Rem: YN-kun! Take Rem's hand!
Seeing the severity of the situation, YN wadded over to Rem, taking her hand just as the water level eclipsed the height they grabbed each other at.
Rem: YN-kun, hold on— Phf!
With another sudden torrent bashing into the two of them, YN and Rem were knocked back, and set adrift as the water quickly was beginning to fill the room.
Pulling Rem in front of him, they two were carried back towards the wall of the room that also hosted the door they had just entered from. As the current slammed YN's back into the wall, he struggled to keep his breath in as Rem's inertia ran into his chest, sparing her from feeling the brunt of the impact.
Having wound up next to the door they had entered in from, YN flailed his hand on the handle, trying to open it.
Damn it! The water pressure is too much! We can't open that!
As he pulled and yanked the handle to no effect while keeping Rem close to him, the water finally filled up above their heads, and was continuing to rise.
Looking upward, YN tried to see if it was worth swimming upward to get to some air, but as he did, the last of it had escaped, and the room was now completely submerged.
Shit, shit, shit! How could we be so careless?! I got Rem dragged into this and if we die... There's no guarantee Subaru will know! He might even progress past to the next save point!
While YN grappled with a great and surmountable fear in his chest, Rem had sprung into action. Sending her hand out forward, Rem let some of the precious air in her lungs escape, almost as if she was yelling.
Rem no! Please... conserve your air, at least let us drown together—!
As YN's mind dwelled on the dread of their situation, he was suddenly surprised to see what Rem's ambition was.
Before them, crude in shape, was one of Rem's pillars of ice.
The air bubbles, that was her chanting!
Remembering that Rem needed to chant for her magic, it suddenly became obvious why she had let the air go. But what confused YN next was to what end was she creating ice?
Grabbing his hand and moving from in front of him, Rem bent her legs against the wall behind them, and pushed off. Propelling them towards the ice she had just created. Just before "landing" on it, Rem reached out with her free hand once more and let more of the precious air in her escape out, creating yet another ice stepping stone.
Pushing off her first piece of ice and toward the next, Rem repeated her actions, making another launching point.
But why?! Rem, what are you trying to—!?
As they hopped to the next ice platform, YN saw it.
In the center of the room, was a marble pedestal, as white as the rest of the room itself. And upon it, sat a perfectly round orb, glowing a faint hue of blue.
That's new! Is that some kind of 'off switch?' That must be what Rem is after...
Jumping several more times, each one came slower and shorter. Not only due to the increasing current as they approached the center of the room, but also because Rem was running out of air.
We're so close! But at this rate, I don't think we'll make it...
Seeing Rem's expression grow weak as her air floated freely about her, she struggled to even raise her hand to cast the next ice spell.
She's not going to make it!
Feeling the grip of her hand holding his loosen, Rem opened her mouth and tried to chant one last ice spell. As the bubbles of air, the last she had, slipped out, the resulting ice was weak, and seemed to fizzle away as quickly as it was conjured.
Rem!
With her eyes half open, Rem gave what she thought would be her final look to YN. Smiling slightly as she began to drift away, YN's eyes opened wide.
No! I won't let it end like this!
Reaching back out to her, YN pulled her close.
Rem's been using all her air to save us while I've been doing nothing!
Putting his hands on either side of her head, he felt her soft, round cheeks as she half consciously looked back at him, keeping her same smile.
Moving her mouth and lips, she tried to say something, yet YN could not pay attention to what it was. It was three syllables, but beyond that, he could not tell.
Bringing her head in toward his own, he kept his eyes on those lips of hers.
Rem, if one of us is going to survive this, it's going to be you!
Tilting her head slightly opposite the way he tilted his, YN put his lips over her, and formed an airtight seal with YN embrace her in what she thought was their final kiss and moments alive together, she suddenly felt her mind fully come back to her.
Causing her eyes to open wide, Rem realized what YN was doing.
This isn't a kiss! This is—!
Feeling her lungs fill with air once more, Rem suddenly began to panic for YN's wellbeing.
No! YN-kun—!
Breaking the seal, YN pushed Rem off and away from him with the last of his strength, preventing her from giving the gift of breath back to him.
Giving Rem the same look she had given him, eyes half open from a fading consciousness and a weak smile, YN resigned himself to his thoughts as his empty lungs screamed for air he could not give them.
It's up to you now, Rem. I'm sorry I keep doing this to you.
Closing his eyes, he let himself be carried away by the current as he passed out, having given his left minute of consciousness to the one who held his heart.