A/N: Hello everyone! I really want to thank everyone for their kind reviews and comments on last week's chapter! This week's chapter will get into the real nitty-gritty of what challenges YN and Subaru will face in this "sub-arc." This chapter will also have an exclusive piece of art I had commissioned for a scene I very much enjoyed writing.
Please enjoy!
Chapter 57: The Endless Eight – Part 3
After frantically searching, the three who remained unscathed were beginning to reach their point of exhaustion as sunrise grew nearer. As the first few rays of pink and orange began to shine over the horizon, Emilia was first to voice her opinion.
Emilia: I... I think we should give it a rest... for now at least. We—
Rem: Emilia-sama and Subaru-kun may rest if they need to, Rem will not. Not until her YN-kun is safe and in Rem's arms.
Subaru: Rem, Emilia-tan is right, we should regain our strength and then continue to search—
Rem: Please respect Rem's decision on this matter.
Emilia: You reeeally should get some rest though. You've been looking the hardest out of all of us. I think YN would understand if you took a break to regain your stamina and—
Rem: No. Rem will not stop.
While the three talked, Rem had not made eye contact with either of them as they stood at the end of an alley that led out to the main avenue of the city. Looking up at the direction of the incoming sunrise, Rem continued.
Rem: Rem will continue to look until YN-kun is found, because that's what he would do for his Rem.
Turning their gaze to the ground, both Subaru and Emilia knew that to be true, it would be something just like YN to do.
In truth, Rem watched the sky not in hopes YN would somehow come back from it as he had left, but rather she was seriously doubting her chances of finding YN, and was questioning if she should take drastic measures. Taking clues from what he had said in the tavern, Rem had begun to try and comprehend the mysteries that surrounded Returning By Death because she knew the consequences of YN trying to explain it to her.
Rem could... before it's too late... kill Subaru-kun.
As she began to seriously consider alternative solutions, she tightly shut her eyes, hoping to ward off the tears that may come flowing out at any moment.
If Rem is beginning to understand how it all works, then doing that should cause a rewind or reset to an earlier time, then YN-kun will know he'll be taken. But—
Shaking her head, Rem found flaws in her burgeoning strategy.
Subaru-kun might remember Rem suddenly acting hostile when he goes back too though... Or at the very least, YN-kun will ask how he died. No, this isn't something Rem can do without consequences. Unless—
Walking forward onto the street, some of the day's earliest workers could be seen beginning their day, leaving their houses and making their way to their place of employment.
If Rem faked losing control in a fit of rage, Subaru-kun might understand...
The longer YN was missing, the more desperate and deranged Rem could tell her thoughts and feelings were getting.
Even if Rem herself won't remember it, should would still bear the responsibilities and guilt of it upon her soul if she did such heinous things...
Seemingly out of options, Rem was at an impasse. There were no other clues to chase, and no other leads to pursue.
Please, please*let YN-kun be okay...
Subaru: —Ack! - Hk! *cough* *cough* What the hell? *cough* *cough*
About to let her morals sink to nothing, Rem turned at the sudden yelp of pain that Subaru had emitted followed by labored breathing and shortness of breath.
But what Rem noticed next, was a scent.
That familiar scent.
The scent of the Witch! Subaru-kun never said a word... YN-kun either died just now, and both of them just returned and this is an entirely new loop... or he just tried telling someone about it, like he did with Rem...
Emilia: Subaru! Are you okay?!
Taking a whiff of the scent, Rem smelled it off Subaru, as strong as it ever was.
Wait. This is a message!
Putting her nose to the wind, Rem desperately turned around and around, trying to seek out another source of the scent.
I can't tell with Subaru-kun so close.
Looking around, Rem made a mad dash away from the other two, trying to gain distance and a better chance of distinguishing another possible source of the scent.
Emilia: Rem! Where are you—?
Rem: Emilia-sama, please take Subaru-kun far away from here, back to our guest quarters. Rem knows how she can find YN-kun.
Knowing what had just happened, Subaru could tell what Rem was using in her search.
The scent! That's right! Why didn't I think of that?!
Running away, Rem jumped up onto a stack of crates and barrels stacked next to what appeared to be a warehouse before then leaping up to a balcony on the opposite side of the alley, and then proceeding to the rooftop level of the buildings around them.
With a great view of the city around her, Rem began to use her nose to try and locate another source of the scent other than Subaru. Jumping from rooftop to rooftop, Rem desperately sought out a whiff that wasn't of Subaru's. Damning her drowsiness, Rem proceeded forward.
Rem must find YN-kun. She will prove herself to him!
Rem carried a heavy weight on her shoulders to help burden any struggles YN faced like this, especially after she had been one herself at one point.
Reaching the end of the town, Rem's options of rooftop pathways was at an endas well. But just as she turned to proceed in a different location, she stopped.
*sniff* *sniff*
Wafting over from a distinct location, Rem looked right in front of her.
There!
Almost as if a beacon was being lit, the silhouette of a single watch tower just outside the city was visible as the morning sun sat perfectly behind as it crested the horizon line. It was separated by only a few pastures from the city itself, not far from her.
However, Rem was conflicted now. Does she go immediately to YN's perceived location? Or does she regroup with Emilia and Subaru? If she regrouped, would that prove costly in rescuing YN? Would he be moved in that time? Did she risk losing him?
Torn for a moment, Rem didn't know what she should do, until—
Emilia: Rem!
Standing one building behind them, on a roof that was more easily accessible through an internal staircase, Emilia called to her.
Also tumbling out from the roof access door, was Subaru, panting from having to keep up with them.
Emilia: Please! Let's give it a rest, we can try and contact—
Rem: Rem has found him. Over there.
Leaping to their roof, Rem gave them both a serious look, as if expecting them to follow her lead.
Rem: Rem has found her YN-kun. The guard tower, over there.
Pointing out to the horizon, Emilia hesitantly responded.
Emilia: Rem, I still think we should—
Subaru: No, Rem is right. We can't just leave him.
Fully sympathizing with how Rem felt, Emilia was forced to question her own strategy and come to terms with the other two's point of view.
Emilia: Right. Yes, let's go.
Proceeding down off the rooftop, the three went to rescue their stolen companion.
***
Having dozed off from his exhaustion, YN groggily arose from his brief slumber.
Oh my head... and the whole rest of me too...
Feeling his fatigue had turned to pain, YN lamented any notion of motion.
As he opened his eyes, he saw his cell was now bathed in a hue of pink-ish orange as the light shined through his barred off window.
It's morning out now... I wonder if I can see anything from outside now...
Forcing himself to stand, YN limped over to the window, letting his vision adjust to the bright light.
I think that's definitely Saluzzo, but from here I can't see—
Hearing what sounded like a nasty whirling of rusty chains and the chatter of clashing pipes, all of YN's instincts told him to suddenly move away from the window.
Jerking himself away, an object crashed through the central most bars, slamming into the rest of the iron bars that made up his cell.
As the projectile landed on the floor, YN's drowsy vision was not able to allow him to see what it was as it began to quickly retreat back to the window, as if on a leash.
Having bent open the bars of his window near the middle, the object was caught on the bottom part where the bars remained unbent. Stationary now, the round object was now a hook, stuck in place.
Forcing his eyes to focus, YN immediately recognized what was now in his window.
A morningstar... Rem's morningstar!
Instantly as he recognized it, the chain that held the head of the weapon tightened, letting its links ring as they stiffened with tension. The light to his cell was blocked out a moment later as an angelic silhouette appeared in the window.
???: YN-kun.
As his eyes readjusted back to darkness, the voice that entered his ears was one he had longed to hear, full of care and kindness, more so than usual.
Coming into focus, first was the brilliant hue of blue that always made his heart flutter, followed by the beautiful kimono he had last seen her in. Feeling tears well up in his eyes, her's did as well, warping the round blue pools of azure that looked upon him.
Rem: Your Rem is here to save you.
Shaking the tears from her eyes, Rem gained a look of determination as she grew her horn, holding onto the chain of her morningstar as she straddled the side of the tower, like a rock climber. With her dress still torn down the side from earlier, a great deal of her upper thigh and leg were visible on one side as the dress fell flat.
Reaching onto the side bars that remained unbent, Rem pulled with all her might, dislodging all the bars, one by one until the only two that were left were the bent ones allowing her to remain.
Swinging her weight around, Rem leaped into YN's cell, and embraced him.
Rem: YN-kun! You're safe!
Hugging him tightly YN's body screamed in agony.
YN: Rem, I'm glad to see you too, but I'm really in a lot of pain now, so can you—
Rem: Huma!!
Seeing a brilliance of blue surround both of them, it was followed by the sound of glass shattering and being rocked about, as if right behind his own head.
???: How rude. Guests that have no respect for their host's property... Scum.
Turning his head around, Rem maneuvered YN behind her as she summoned ice crystals, not unlike Emilia's own around her.
Looking past her, YN saw a nearly mirrored image, but of his captor, Leo, standing on the other side of the bars with crystals floating around him as well. However his crystals were black in color and imbued with a dark purple flame on each.
Leo: If you intend to fight... a fight is what you shall have!
Stepping fully in front of YN, Rem unleashed her barrage of ice crystals.
Rem: El Huma!
Leo: El Minya!
Grabbing YN at the same time, the clash of crystals slammed into one another, either hitting crystal on crystal, or crystal on the bars that still separated them.
As the iron bars were demolished and with great amounts of dust and frost now floating in the air, Rem carried YN around the destroyed cell while she retrieved her morningstar by pulling the hilt she still held.
Going around the perimeter of the room, Rem yanked on her chain, trying to get her weapon closer to her. However, as the chain dragged on from the area that was formerly the cell, Rem was halted.
YN: I-Is it snagged?
Rem: No— worse!
As the dust and frost settled, Leo stood resolute, unscathed, with his foot holding the chain to the morningstar in place. Grabbing the chain with his hand, Leo pulled Rem toward him with prejudice.
Leo: Now come here and relinquish that horn to me!
Dropping YN, Rem was yanked off her feet by the tense chain. As she approached from the other side of the room, the sound of a snap was heard, and Rem fell short of just halfway to Leo. Catching her balance, Rem back flipped multiple times, creating distance between her and Leo.
Looking around to see what had saved Rem, YN noticed the chain of her morningstar was now severed, with frost evident on the chain itself.
But how—!
Emilia: That's enough!
With her hand held out, it had been Emilia that had severed the chain with a bolt of ice.
Leo: If it isn't the Witch herself... No, that can't possibly be true. If you were, I wouldn't still be standing here. Which means you're an imposter.
Emilia: Sorry, I can't be an imposter if I'm only being myself. But that's besides the point.
With Rem positioning herself in front of YN once more, Subaru appeared from behind Emilia, both of them having come up from downstairs.
Leo: More of you? How did you get past my traps?
Rubbing underneath his nose, Subaru took credit.
Subaru: You mean those sorry excuses for obstacles? Mere child's play for an experienced dungeon diver as myself!
Chuuni.
Emilia: Now. Can you tell us why you decided to kidnap one of my friends? Was it for ransom? You should know the Mathers have been known to never pay one.
Holding his hands out wide, Leo's tone changed.
Leo: Not at all! What I seek is a priceless artifact for my research.
Emilia: Wouldn't that be your ransome?
Leo: Unfortunately, I was told that the owner of what I sought would kill me on the spot if I asked, so I was forced to go about some roundabout ways to get it into my possession.
Emilia: So stealing YN would be leverage?
Leo: Oh you must learn to think my simply dear. The lad is bait. Nothing more. But by using him as bait, I am technically double crossing my employer, but for what I seek, almost any sacrifice is necessary.
As Leo spoke, YN couldn't help but notice he was crudely eyeing Rem.
YN: And just what am I worth to get your item, huh?
Leo: I seek nothing more than the last horn of the oni.
YN: —Hk!
As everyone's surprise was drawn forth, all eyes turned to Rem, who now had a most sour expression on her face. One with an intense amount of disdain.
Rem: So you are knowledgeable of Rem's origins?
Leo: Yes, I am quite well informed. But, as per my name, I am also rather merciful.
Softening his expressions, Leo held his hands up, as if in surrender.
Leo: Simply let me harvest your horn, and everyone, including yourself, will be allowed to leave without further harm. The lad shall be returned, and you shall know that I have forfeited my contract with my employer who had other ideas for the lad.
Rem: Rem would trade her horn, even her own life if it meant the safe return of YN-kun. But Rem's horn is not hers to give away, as Rem is to be Nee-sama's horn in her lack of her own.
Lowering his hands and giving a great sigh, Leo's face turned grim.
Leo: So be it then. Murak!
Launching off his backfoot, Leo rocketed toward Rem and YN as Emilia shot ice crystals at him. Having surprised Rem with his speed, she readied herself for combat.
Only fractions of a second away from colliding, Leo cast out another spell.
Leo: Ul Shamak!
Instantly, YN and Rem were encased in a sea of darkness, unable to make sense of up or down, left or right, or head or toe.
This is bad! I have to save Rem!
Feeling himself almost lose his sanity, a familiar warm sensation grew from YN's abdomen. A faint white light illuminated itself from this warmth, and seemed to drive away the darkness.
Hey, this happened last time Puck used Shamak.
Getting a barring for his senses once more, YN knew he needed to help Rem.
As the area of clearness expanded, to his side, a familiar silhouette appeared.
YN: Rem!
But as the color in her began to redevelop, a new silhouette appeared too, right behind her. Recognizing it, Leo could be seen. With a dagger in his hand, he was poised to cut off Rem's horn at any second.
Running up to her, YN moved Rem out the way before the slow motion slash could render her hornless. Out of the fog of darkness, the two tumbled across the floor, and down the stairs to the floor below.
Leo: Damn them! How did that brat purify my magic?!
Side stepping an ice spear, Leo's attention was forced to turn to Emilia, who was also ready to continue fighting.
As YN and Rem came to a stop in their tumble, YN found himself in Rem's arms, feeling more exhausted than before. Having his face turned, it was made to look at Rem's own.
Rem: YN-kun! Stop using mana! It hasn't recovered from last night! If you're not careful, you'll use up your Od. Please, let Rem and the others handle this.
Unable to immediately answer her as he was captivated by his sorry state in the reflection of Rem's azure eyes, YN explained himself.
YN: I-I don't know what happened! I was just able to clear up that Yin magic, it happened once before too.
Hearing a series of loud bangs and boom, it appeared that Leo and Emilia were having a stalemate in their confrontation upstairs.
Rem: Just... promise Rem, no more magic until YN-kun is fully rested.
Knowing that if he had to save Rem like he did before, this was something YN could not promise her.
YN: I won't, unless it's to save you.
Going to stand up, and bringing YN with her, Rem kissed the side of his cheek.
Rem:Rem knew it would be useless to ask, but at least YN-kun would never lie to his Rem.
Climbing back up the stairs, the entirety of the room had been changed and was now unrecognizable. What parts of the room that weren't covered with ice were smashed and destroyed.
On the far side of the room stood Leo, as if no fight had ever taken place, and on YN's closest side was a heavily breathing, exhausted Emilia, and a defeated Subaru, barely holding onto consciousness as his forehead bled.
Emilia: Rem! Please, heal Subaru!
Rem: Yes.
Obeying Emilia's request, Rem ran over to Subaru's aid behind a pile of wood and rubbish and began to use her healing magic on him. Heading the request so quickly, YN was left on the far side of the room alone, while Emilia stood between the two groups.
Leo: Now that the prize has returned, it's time we get the horn back out.
Reaching back with his arm, Leo called out as he stared directly at YN, focusing his mana.
Leo: I'll send her into an uncontrollable frenzy with this! Now die! El Minya!
Suddenly sending out a barrage of black flaming crystals, YN had nowhere to go. Having heeded Emilia's request to heal Subaru so promptly, Rem saw she was too far to do anything to help the targeted YN. With her eyes going wide in terror, Rem could only reach and shriek, powerless in her current position.
Rem: YN-kun!!!
Without the adequate strength or stamina to evade, YN braced for impact. His body was still left fatigued from his mana exhaustion only a few hours prior, and with his previous tumble with Rem only moments ago, YN's entire being felt like it was made of lead.
Shit!
Fully expecting to be skewered by the incoming crystals, YN held his arms up and kept his vision locked in on the inbound attack. But staring the attack down, a flash of silver overlapped the incoming projectiles, and with their absence, a brief ribbon of red took the silver's place.
What?! Where did the attack go! Did they redirect or—?!
YN: —Hk!
Hearing something fall off to this side, to the opposite side of where anyone currently present had been, YN looked down in horror as he saw where the attack had gone, and who had ended up being its victim.
Having landed with a thud to his side, Emilia had taken many of the blows meant for YN.
Subaru: Emilia!!
Moving past Rem in his wounded state, Subaru was held back by her at the last moment as he yelled in anguish.
Calling out to the girl on the ground, she did not answer, nor did she budge.
YN: E-Emilia... No...
Dropping to his knees, YN hesitantly reached out to the collapsed half elf next to him, utterly in shock he was now looking at her fresh corpse.
She—! She jumped right in front of me! She sacrificed herself... For me!
As his hand drew closer to her bloodied kimono, it began to tremble. He could not see her face, but at the same time, would he even want to? Would he be able to erase that memory from his mind? For some reason though, he felt if he didn't, an immense guilt would be plagued upon him.
YN: Why... Why did you—?!
Rem: YN-kun!
Pushing Subaru back and running across the wreckage, Rem grabbed YN and leaped away from Emilia's corpse, just as a pillar of ice shot out from under where YN had stood.
Seeing her body freeze over, a terrible chill filled the entire room.
Rem: YN-kun?! Are you harmed—?
Cutting herself off as she saw it manifest from above Emilia, a light formed, and a terrible, dreadful, and yet, familiar voice filled the room, booming its words as it spoke.
???: You have taken what was most precious from me, and because of that, the whole world will now know my pain.
Growing larger and larger, the light seemed to radiate an aura death as the room became colder and more windy. Blowing down the walls around them, the apparition grew to the form of a large cat.
No, it was a beast, with gray fur, and features like a great cat.
Subaru: I-Is that—
Leo: As I live and breathe! A Great Spirit! I am truly humbled.
???: And you shall know death in your humbleness.
Turning to the three behind it, the great beast, as it continued to grow, spoke to them in a most ominous tone, it's eyes glowing a fierce yellow.
???: In accordance with my contract with Lia, upon her death, I shall now destroy the world.
'Lia?' 'Great Spirit?' Is that—!
While unbelievable as it might have been, YN had to accept it. This beast of terrible, wicked frost, was the same sassy cat that lived in Emilia's hair and the crystal around her neck. Now only resembling his former self in fur color alone, there was only one of the three that dared to argue back to it.
Subaru: Puck! You can't do this! That's—
Puck: No. This must be done.
Turning back to Leo, Puck boomed his voice again in anger.
Puck: For you, I offer no 'mercy' other than a death that isn't eternal suffering, but is one that will have suffering that will eventually need to end.
Rem: Great-Spirit-sama! Please—!
Trying her hand at reasoning with him next, the mighty beast turned its ominous gaze to Rem as it boomed out it's response.
Puck: Everyone, including those who were Lia's friends must also die if the contract is to be upheld. If you start running now though, you may yet have time to say anything you wish to say to each other, be it things left unsaid, or final farewells.
Speaking with no mercy, Puck delivered his final judgement. But as he spoke to who Emilia had considered her friends that were about to be put to death, Leo called out to the apocalyptic beast.
Leo: I will not meet my end here, fiendish nightmare. As Leo the Merciful, to continue my research, I will be the one to save the world. And I will do it... with this!
Reaching into his vestments as he spoke to Puck after making his decree, Leo wildly boasted claims of assured victory.
Puck: Large words from such a tiny human.
Pulling his hand out, Leo held a large, violet mana crystal in his hand. The ornately cut jewel was obviously very valuable, rare, and powerful. As he held it up above his head, it began to glow radiantly.
Leo: I had planned to save this incase the Mother had learned of my plans for treachery... But this shall prove to be sufficient in dealing with you.
Turning his full attention to the middle aged magician, Puck replied.
Puck: How can you hope to do anything?
Leo: Because, I plan to make you forget about such a dreadful contract with this! Witness. It's. Power!!!
Watching as the gem began to glow and hum with growing intensity, an intense aura began to glow from it. Growing to cover the entirety of his hand, the translucent violet light formed a bubble over it, where it stopped in size.
Leo: Now! Begone you foul— ACK!
Hearing the sound of ice crisp up in a violent manner, Leo shockingly looked down at his torso, watching a sheet of white creep his body, ready to fully engulf him.
Leo: ARGH!! Damn gem! Work faster—!
Puck: Speak no more.
As the ice fully consumed the magician, so was he by an intense violet light, still radiating from the gem he held in his frozen hand.
Watching their former foe's death in silence, the three who remained could feel the bitter cold setting in around them, they felt the heat being pulled out of their very bones.
Seeing such a gruesome death, Subaru couldn't handle it any longer. From witnessing Emilia die, to seeing Puck transform into a world ending beast, he had enough.
Picking himself up, Subaru in his state of panic ran towards what remains of the stairs, hoping to get as far away as he could.
Subaru: Aaaahhhh! Ah! Arrrggghhh!!!
Halfway across the room, the violet orb of light suddenly grew again in size, doubling its diameter from the gem. As Subaru made his break for the room, he was caught up in the snap of expanded light, crossing it mid stride.
As Rem and YN watched, Subaru's eyes went deadpan, lifeless almost, as he stumbled forward, out of the violet hue.
YN: Subaru!
Catching him before he fell, YN felt his wrist immediately be grabbed by Rem, pulling him along with Subaru back down the destroyed stairs they had fallen down earlier, hoping to get as far away from the continuously growing Puck, and the ever intensifying snow storm.
Kicking down the front door to the watchtower, Rem pulled YN, who in turn pulled Subaru as they ran out into the snowy field. While she could not see it, Rem instinctively knew what direction the town was in, but that still didn't stop a moment's hesitation as the now near white-out conditions and harsh wind made her second guess her knowledge.
It's... a completely different world out here now...
For a moment, YN thought back to the snow festival, and how this almost reminded him of it. However, now was not the time.
Rem: This way!
Yanking the other two along, YN looked back to Subaru, who seemed to be the most lost and perplexed out of anyone else.
It must be the shock of seeing Emilia like that... If I saw Rem that way... I don't know what I would do.
Feeling a heavy sympathy in his heart for his fellow wayward companion, YN craned his head around, exposing his face to the harsh winter winds coming from that direction.
YN: Subaru... I'm so sorry about Emilia...
Letting go of YN's hand, life seemed to somewhat return to his eyes with someone speaking to him, but as he did, Subaru stopped, prompting Rem to as well.
Rem: Subaru-kun! Now's not the time to rest! We need to—
Subaru: How? H-How do you two know my name...?
Confused by what he meant, YN wasn't about to have any of it.
YN: Subaru, we need to run.
Ignoring his question, Subaru took a step backward before falling on the blanket of snow growing deeper with every passing second.
Subaru: Who are you two... Where... Where am I? Why is it so cold...?
Putting his hands inside his tracksuit's sleeves as makeshift mittens, Subaru hugged himself, trying to warm himself up.
YN: Subaru! I get you're in shock, or something... I don't know! But we need to go! Emilia would want you to try and survive.
Blankly looking at YN, it was like he had never seen him before. It was much like the look he had first given him in the Capitol when YN had accidentally bumped into him.
Rem: Subaru.
Getting impatient with him, Rem also spoke back up.
Turning his attention back and forth between the two, Subaru appeared to be at a complete loss. He was like a deer in headlights.
Turning his gaze to the snow on the ground, he shook his head and rubbed brushed the accumulating snow off his shoulders and hair. Looking back up at the two unknown faces staring back at him, pleading for him to stand back up and follow them into the cold, white abyss, Subaru choked out a response finally.
Subaru: Who...
Stuttering on his words, the steam from his breath escaped from his mouth as he formed words that sent chills down Rem and YN's spines.
Subaru: Who's... Emilia?
Hearing such words come from Subaru. Truly this wasn't possible?
Opening her eyes wide at the prospect of Subaru just forgetting who Emilia was, she remembered what Leo had said.
Leo: I plan to make you forget about such a dreadful contract with this!
He couldn't possibly mean... Could he?!
After witnessing Subaru, having been the first victim of this crystal Leo had used, it was all Rem needed to be sure what this device was doing.
It... It wipes memories!
The next terrifying thoughts to enter Rem's minds were the idea of her or even worse, YN also falling victim to this magic.
Steeling her resolve, Rem tried to bring everything back together, her eyes wide open in immense fear.
Rem: We need to get out of here! Before that magic gets any closer—!
With a sudden hum, the violet light of memory erasure compounded in size again, this time, it was close enough to be seen through the thick wintery conditions that were only intensifying by the second.
Rem: Run!
Without Subaru in tow this time, Rem pulled YN along, faster then she had ever before as Subaru remained on the ground, looking on in his confused, and amnesiatic state.
Rem: Subaru-kun! Follow us! We can help you!
But there was no response. Subaru remained in place as he faded into the vast whiteness behind them, unsure if he could trust them or anyone else. While his memories were gone, his body's physical shock from seeing Emilia's death lingered, and thus, was affecting his mind accordingly.
YN: Damn it! Subaru!!
It was all shouting in vain. Suddenly the violet light had overcome their friend's fading silhouette as it made another jump in size.
Shaking his head while being pulled along, YN was forced to write off Subaru in this instance. While he did not know what would happen to him as he remained left behind, it did however mean—
He obviously isn't dead, but in this cold... He soon will be...
As Rem continued to run at full speed forward, YN was beginning to find himself unable to make her pace, even as she pulled him along.
YN: Rem! Please I can't keep up—!
Rem: Everything is going to be fine! YN-kun and Rem will get to the ground dragon, and together we can run away from that light until this loop ends! Neither of us will suffer the same fate as Subaru-kun from the light!
YN: What are you talking about—?
Rem: Rem won't forget her YN-kun! She won't! She never will! And Rem will never let her YN-kun forget her! We'll fight until this loop ends! Rem won't let such a terrible thing happen before then!
Also having finally surmised what the violet light meant once you were inside its range, by Rem's current declarations and Subaru's own victimhood, YN could understand why Rem had such a frantic tone in her voice.
Rem: Rem promises her YN-kun, she won't let that happen—!
Suddenly, the woman who held his hand, and his heart, pulling him along, turned a sudden shade of violet.
Looking down at his hand, the light seemed to end right on the edge of his own, right before where his met hers.
As he gave one final look to Rem with remembrance, he could feel his emotions being ripped from his soul.
All his memories. His moments with Rem. His time spent with Rem. Every little thing and detail.
All of it.
Gone.
As the violet light faded away, it was at the edge of its maximum diameter. Having fully expanded, it dissipated into the ever expanding white of snow and frost that seemed to lock them in their own miniature world.
But to YN, all of a sudden, he found himself surrounded by white.
A cold, bright, white place.
All he could hear was a ringing in his ears, and his skin all over was biting with the sting of coldness. He was forced to squint his eyes from the incoming snowflakes blowing around wildly.
But there was also someone shaking him, pleading with him. Calling his name.
That someone, was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.
She wore a breathtaking kimono, and the most adorable ribbon on the back of her head, which was covered with short, beautiful blue hair that perfectly matched her azure eyes. But in her eyes was an intense emotion, and it was unbefitting of her beauty.
Her expression was of great worry and agony, much like the tone in the words she called out to him as she shook his shoulders.
YN was utterly clueless as to what was going on.
???: YN-kun! Please! Say something! Anything!
The girl's voice was one that carried such a great amount of compassion and concern. What struck YN the most though was that it seemed all that compassion and concern was meant for him.
How could such a girl, or anyone really, act this way for me?
There was something about her, YN couldn't put his finger on it. Something deep inside of his very soul was calling for this girl in return, pleading to answer her pleas, crying to answer her cries.
???: Please YN-kun, say something... Anything...
Hearing her voice and the growing loss of hope and growing dread in it, YN had no choice but to oblige her, he felt otherworldly convinced that he must.
Trying to summon his voice, the cold, dry air made it difficult to speak as it hit his throat as he breathed in to speak.
Croaking out a response, the girl eagerly awaited what he had to say.
YN: I-It's...
???: Yes! Please...
YN saw how her brilliant eyes lit up at the simple prospect of his stammered out words. He knew he could say anything at this very moment. And he would say exactly what was on his mind as he looked upon this girl that so tightly held his hands, filled with kindness and concern for none other than him.
YN: It's... an angel.
Watching as her eyes lit up even more, the joy they felt was immediately extinguished, as if she had come to some realization.
Seeing the full dismissal of the violet light, the blue haired girl looked downward as she spoke with a bitter tone.
???: At least one of us will remember... For that, there's thanks...
YN: I— I'm sorry... That was a weird thing to say...
Realizing he had said something strange, YN felt his face become warm from embarrassment, an almost welcome feeling that slightly counteracted the bitter cold he currently felt. But as he casted his eyes down the girl before him warmly replied, softly shaking her head.
???: Do not be... That was the very first thing YN-kun ever said to his beloved.
Hearing what she said, it sent a shiver down YN's entire body, and in that moment of weakness, the cold had begun to overpower him, and he fell to his knees.
Feeling the deep snow he found himself in now, he did not have the strength to stand again, so the blue haired girl bent down with him.
With his teeth beginning to chatter, the numbness of his lower body began to set in.
YN: I-I'm so c-c-cold...
Instantly, he felt arms wrap around him, bringing a sudden warmth with them.
???: Don't worry, YN-kun will never need to be cold ever again.
Caught off guard, the blue haired girl now embraced him fully at the single complaint he had of the conditions, sharing her warmth so openly.
Why is she being so nice?
Feeling soft, gentle fingers caress the back of head and slide smoothly through his hair, the girl spoke once more in her soothing voice.
???: YN-kun will be warm. Your Rem will keep him warm...
YN: Rem...
Rem: Yes. Rem. Rem is YN-kun's Rem.
Between her fading warmth, and the knowledge of this girl's name, YN could feel himself begin to cry.
Over and over again, he said her name in his mind. He didn't know why, but her name filled him with an unknowable joy.
She's so warm... But it's so cold... She's starting to get colder too.
As the tears on his face began to freeze, the warmth of Rem's body fully faded as well.
But she made one last motion.
Feeling their lips connect, the blue haired girl passed the last bit of warmth her body had to YN.
He had only known this girl for mere moments, yet in this time, not only had she shown such concern for him, but also compassion.
She had shown him meaning.
She had shone him feelings he never knew he could feel.
She had even given him everything she had, right down to the last bit of warmth her body had. Enough warmth for YN to think one final thought.
I wish... I wish I could have spent more time with her...
With the coldness finally doing them both in, the two ill fated admirers died in each other's arms, sharing one final kiss of warmth before the snow swallowed them both.
***
As YN lifted his glass, he let the ice cold water parch his thirst. After having spent the better half of the morning working outside, he was definitely hitting his daily stride when it came to getting his work done.
YN: Ahhh!
Placing the glass back down onto the table before him, a voice entered his ears.
???: Oh, YN. There you are.
Turning to see who the owner of this voice was, he saw her. With silvery hair that flowed like snow, pointed elf ears, piercing amethyst eyes, and a voice like a bell, she waved to him.
???: Are you on your break? I was looking for you.
As she spoke, she approached YN, rounding the corner of the sofa. Taking a seat next to him, she gave him a look of eagerness, as if wanting to initiate a sincere conversion. Patting her dress smooth, she smiled at him, trying to make herself look as friendly as possible.
And that was the case. Unknown to him, she had come looking for him to discuss something important, but upon noticing the presence of an additional glass of cool, refreshing water on this hot day, the silver haired girl's eyes lit up upon seeing it.
But before she could speak further, they each turned their attention to behind them, where the clack of footsteps could be heard entering the room, as if in great haste.
???: YN-kun.
Hearing this voice, YN stood and turned to greet it. As he did, a most beautiful hue of blue immediately took a hold of his attention. While she wore a look of concern on her face, her eyes adorably reflected the incoming sunlight. Dressed in a maid outfit, it left much of her flawless and fair skin on her chest, shoulders, and back exposed.
Placing her hand on the doorframe, she stepped fully into the room hesitantly, keeping direct eye contact with YN as she placed her other hand over her chest.
As his own name rang in his head, said by her, YN could feel strong emotions well up from within himself.
Looking upon her, he couldn't help but smile.
YN: Yes—
But as he spoke her name, for an unknowable reason, each eye formed a single tear.
YN: —Rem?
Feeling his jaw quiver slightly as a great emotion built up inside him, for some reason, he struggled to keep his reactions under control. Turned away from the half elf as he faced Rem, she did not see his face or any of the signs of his current state.
But seeing the tears in his eyes, Rem stiffened her expression before bowing and answering.
Rem: Please, Emilia-sama, excuse Rem. She must have a word with YN-kun.
Emilia: O-Oh, yes. Of course.
Hearing the hint of dejection in her voice and seeing her look down and away, Rem offered an alternative for her.
Rem: Please, help yourself to the refreshments in the meantime, Emilia-sama. Rem will return with YN-kun briefly.
Walking over as YN set his glass back down, Rem suddenly took him by the hand and led him out of the room altogether and into the hallway.
Being pulled along suddenly, YN slightly protested.
YN: Uh, Rem. Didn't you ask for me to wait for you so we could both enjoy the—?
Pulling him down the hallway, Rem's head did not turn to him in her answer for him. It remained facing forward and down on the floor.
Rem: Please keep such talk between ourselves to a minimum until there is certainty we have privacy.
Hearing the seriousness in her voice coupled with not being able to see her face, YN swallowed a lump in his throat as they arrived back into the foyer. Rounding the corner to the lesser used utility hallway of the mansion, Rem opened the door to the spacious closet that kept the spare vases Subaru had become accustomed to visiting.
Yanking YN inside, Rem activated a single crystal lamp, locked the door, and folded her arms, as if expecting an explanation of some sort.
YN: Uhh, Rem what's going on—?
Finally wiping the remaining droplets of water out of his eyes he had shed for reasons still unknown to himself, Rem cut him off with a voice that held both coldness and concern.
Rem: How did it happen?
Blinking twice with dry eyes finally as Rem asked a surprise question, YN didn't know how to respond.
YN: How did what happen?
Giving him a stern look, Rem silently pressed the issue. Thinking suddenly she had meant Emilia's presence so close to his own, YN stuttered as he fumbled his words.
YN: I-If you mean why Emilia was sitting next to me, then it's only because she just—
Rem: Emilia-sama was only wishing to be friendly, Rem knows this and is not concerned by it. But what she is concerned by, is something only YN-kun and Subaru-kun might know.
Still unsure of what she meant, YN could only shrug his shoulders in defeat as his earlier emotions were finally under control.
YN: Then I'm sorry, I really don't know what you're implying.
Sighing, Rem's expression turned tentative, as if unsure of how to proceed. As the mana crystal's light faintly reflected off her eyes, she steeled her resolve.
Rem: The Rem will just ask...
Stepping close to YN, Rem looked up at him while a spark of worry began to grow on her face.
Rem: Did YN-kun... die?
Opening his eyes wide to her suspicions, he found the strength to answer her, knowing that she felt concerned.
YN: No. I didn't. Not recently at least...
With more concern in her expression, Rem continued.
Rem: Then what about Subaru-kun? Did he die? Was it a consequence that YN-kun or Subaru-kun said something they shouldn't have? Are we in a loop right now? Is—?
YN: Rem. Please, you're worrying me now... But to answer your questions, they're all a 'no.' Nothing like that has happened since the mabeast fiasco.
Getting even closer, Rem pushed her chest up against YN, trying to be as close as she could despite there being more than enough room inside the closet.
Rem: Then why did Rem suddenly smell the Witches Scent so strongly off both YN-kun and Subaru-kun?
YN: — — —
Truthfully, YN didn't know what to make of Rem's findings. He had experienced nothing in regard to Return By Death or its consequences in weeks at this point. While he was still aware the phenomenon could still potentially occur and it had shown no signs of having left, this perplexed the two in the closet in equal measure.
Nothing bad has happened... At least not to my knowledge?
Rem: Rem should also say... The smell is much stronger than when she first met YN-kun...
YN: — — —
How could that be the case? Nothing has happened.
Rem: YN-kun promised though... If he did have something happen, he would tell Rem. That's still true, isn't it?
Seeing the worry in her eyes, YN wrapped his arms around the blue haired maid, reassuring her.
YN: I promised I would, and I intend to keep that promise.
Lightly stroking the back of her head, his fingers combed through her silky smooth blue strands. YN held Rem as tight as he could. Unable to doubt her Hero, Rem reached around him as well, hugging him back.
Rem: Rem had feared she had failed to protect her YN-kun. She is glad that wasn't the case.
As the two held each other in the dimly lit closet, Rem pulled her head back to ask one last question.
Rem: Does YN-kun have any clue why the scent is so strong right now though?
YN: Just... how strong is it right now? Should I go wash up or—?
Rem: No, it doesn't bother Rem since it comes from her YN-kun. But to say as strong as it is...
Looking down at the floor, it seemed hard for Rem to gauge how bad it was.
Shaking her head, she answered as best as she could.
Rem: It's definitely stronger than Rem has ever smelled. Maybe twice— no, three times as strong as when she first met her YN-kun in the guest room.
YN: 'Three times as strong...'
Repeating what Rem said as he thought, YN struggled to think of a way the scent could get so strong so suddenly.
YN: That would take a lot of consequences with little punishment, or a lot of deaths in a short period of time to get that strong I imagine...
Since they both knew trying to tell someone about Return By Death yielded a painful response that brought about an increase in the scent, they also knew actually dying also brought about an increase as well, and these increases could stack onto one another, each like a single spray from a perfume bottle.
Well aware that they were at an impasse in terms of figuring out why the scent was so strong, they found no reason why they should continue to congregate in the closet.
Opening the door, Rem convened the topic.
Rem: YN-kun can return the tea room then, Rem will return with more refreshments—
???: Just what were you two doing in there?
Holding a basket of laundry in her arms, Ram had been passing by as soon as Rem had opened the closet door revealing YN as well.
Rem: O-Oh, Nee-sama! What a surprise—
Ram: Did he force you in there?
Rem: Nee-sama!
With her face growing red at her elder sister's implied accusations, Rem pouted as Ram turned her attention to YN.
Ram: Did she force you in there?
YN: Well, more like pulled me in there...
Caught off guard by Ram's questioning of his side of things, YN stumbled on his words, and ended up being too honest.
Knowing YN wasn't playing along with her sister, Rem left her jaw a gap at his words.
Too honest! YN-kuuuuuun!
Giving her usual 'Hah' and smug smirk, this time directed at Rem of all people, Ram replied to her younger sister.
Ram: Rem, it's far too soon for Ram to be an aunt, so please contain your urges until you and YN have a home to yourselves.
Growing more red by the second, Rem pouted more as she stuttered on her words.
Rem: N-N-Nee-sama!
Amused by her cute sister's reaction, Ram waved off her concern as if to signify she was done teasing.
Ram: Did you at least tell YN of the plans to depart later this evening?
Looking at Rem with a raised eyebrow, YN asked her the same question.
YN: Depart? This evening?
Getting a small face of embarrassment as her face continued to stay blushed, Rem gave a nervous smile.
Rem: Rem was so occupied with... other things she had forgotten that's why she asked YN-kun to come take a break.
Seeing Rem had dropped the ball, Ram filled YN in briefly.
YN: —Okay, so just be packed in a few hours? That's it?
Ram: Yes. So please start soon.
Remembering what he was in the middle of though, YN stuttered his words before Ram left.
YN: I-I still have a lot of watering to do though still.
Giving him a look of sympathy, Rem also spoke up.
Rem: Rem would offer to help, but she must attend to Emilia-sama and make sure she is ready to depart as well.
Ram: Can't you just have Barasu help you?
YN: I guess I could. He can water plants... Hopefully.
***
Having retrieved Subaru, YN and him set out trying to finish making sure all the plants were properly irrigated for the sweltering weather they were facing today, hoping to prevent any wilted flowers.
Working on the backside of the mansion on the flowerbeds that wrapped around its perimeter, Subaru looked up at its second or third story window.
Knowing Subaru was thinking of something, YN was about to inquire before he set his can down and proceeded to walk away.
Subaru: I'll be right back. I'm going to go ask Beako if she wants to come with us.
Shaking his head to Subaru's idea, YN went back to watering.
YN: Good luck with that.
***
Having finished alone, YN cursed Subaru under his breath.
YN: I can't believe he just left me to finish this... Did he even go talk to Beako or was that just an excuse?
Putting everything away, YN went to assist in loading the luggage into the ground carriage. Having helped move several of Emilia's heavy trunks into the cargo compartment, YN thought he was done when he saw Subaru returning down the stairs finally, with one additional person in tow.
Wow, he actually convinced her.
Ascending down the stairs behind him, was Beatrice. It appeared as if Subaru had actually managed to get the spirit to agree to come along.
Ram: Beatrice-sama, have you decided to come see Emilia-sama and the rest off?
Beatrice: Betty has decided she will actually be attending this ceremony, if only for the opportunity to procure new literature in a city near the Kararagi border, I suppose.
Grinning ear to ear, Subaru silently showed how proud he was having gotten the resident NEET out of her library.
Clapping her hands together, Emilia also expressed her approval of the idea.
Emilia: That's great news! We'll finally have some time together to talk in the carriage.
While Emilia whimsically expressed joy in the perceived opportunities Beatrice's presence brought, the spirit quickly shut down any notion of "friendly chatting" that would be going on.
Beatrice: Betty is afraid there will be little time for that, as she will rather be going through a number of texts in the meantime. Which is why—
Pointing to YN as if commanding him directly, the girl with butterflies in her eyes coldly barked out her request.
Beatrice: —You. Groundskeeper. Take Betty's parcel of tomes and load them with the rest of the luggage.
With Rem and Ram watching, YN knew he could not cause a fuss with anyone who he was supposed to be working for in this mansion, be it Emilia, Puck, Roswaal, or even Beatrice.
YN: Yes, Beatrice-sama.