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Chapter Text

Ding Ding

There was a bell at the front door. Subaru, who was playing games late as usual on the console, was surprised by the strange night visit. Who could it be. Stepping out of his dark room, he squinted against the bright light in the living room. Looks like the parents haven't slept yet. Subaru, who was standing at the door wearing only a black T-shirt and shorts, did not bother much, and immediately opened the door.
A tall girl stood in the doorway, with long pink hair, red patterns all over her body that looked like strange tattoos, and a red suit all over. She looked down at him, assessing the young man with her red eyes.
Subaru, who was speechless for a while at the unusual image of the girl, hurried to insert a word into the awkward pause.
Subaru: Hello? And you.....to whom?
The girl was silent, still looking down at him, but then she leaned over, staring intently into the brown eyes of the stunned boy.
Subaru: You came...to my parents, right?
She nodded, as if expecting him to let her in. Subaru thought for a moment and did so.
The two went inside the boy's house, heading to the living room where his parents were supposed to be, however, upon arrival, there was no one there.
Subaru: WHAT!?
There seemed to be only a light on inside, but the room was empty. His parents were definitely not here.
Subaru: It can't be that they just forgot to turn off the lights and went to sleep....
The guy scratched the back of his head. His parents' actions seemed strange, and it worried him.
Subaru: Wait here, okay? I need to check on my parents.
Inviting the girl to wait in the living room, Subaru headed to his parents' room. He opened the door slightly to look inside. But it was too dark for him to see anything. He stepped inside, trying to make as little noise as possible. Even though the guy was wearing black socks that made less noise from the stomping of his feet, Subaru still found it strange that no one reacted to the opening of the door, his entrance inside, and the light that could be seen from the living room.
Subaru: Please tell me they just sleep really well....
He whispered to himself, worried about his parents. And these worries were strong enough for him that he would turn on the light without a single hesitation when he noticed that the bed seemed too straight.
To the horror of the guy himself, it turned out that way. There was no one on the bed. His parents were not here.
Subaru: Where are they?!
They seem to have disappeared. Hoping to find them, the guy quickly ran through all the rooms in the house, but did not find anyone.
In the same rush, he went to the living room, where he ran into a pink-haired stranger, peacefully sitting on his sofa and drinking tea.
He caught his breath, standing right in front of the girl. She looked at him disapprovingly.
Subaru: You! Where did you get the tea?! I mean.... Where are my parents?!
Obviously, the disappearance of his parents was related to the girl who suddenly invaded his house. In any case, Subaru simply had no other option, what happened and why.
The girl looked askance at the screaming boy, still calmly sipping her tea that was coming from nowhere.
The young man's nerves seemed to be on edge. He was annoyed by such a terrible behavior of a girl who seemed to have completely ignored anything strange either in simply invading someone's house, or in the strange disappearance of his parents.
Subaru: Answer me!
He exclaimed, hoping that she would finally listen to him. However, their, or rather only his, dialogue was suddenly interrupted by a strange noise, right outside the window of his house. It was strange, the boy lived in a multi-storey building, right on the fourth floor, what could it be? Subaru glanced at the window where the strange noise had been made, and then at the girl, seemingly trying to figure out what might be going on here.
Subaru: And this...
Suddenly, the girl stood up, and the cup of tea in her hands seemed to have evaporated, as if it had never existed at all. She also turned to the window, and then to the surprised guy, who was not at all frightened by the sounds outside. The pink-haired stranger turned to the boy, still looking down at him intently, waiting for any word to the source of the sounds.
Subaru, who realized this, nodded to the one, and went to the window, looking for the source of the sound. But then, he jumped away from it in a panic, when right in front of him, in the window, appeared the terrible face of the monster that was flying in front of his window. Like a huge bat, an ugly monster with something like a little horn on its forehead, the same color as it's fur, looked at him with its red eyes, fluttering very close to the window, holding on to the window frames with its small clawed paws. The boy, now frightened, cried out in horror.
Subaru: WHAT IS THIS?!
With pure horror on his face, he didn't even look at the girl, but she didn't need to understand that he wanted to get rid of the monster as soon as possible, which was still hovering near the window, seemingly trying to find an entrance inside. The pink-haired girl moved closer, standing right in front of Subaru, blocking his view of the monster's disgusting face. She extended her hand in front of the monster, opening her palm, which bore the same strange red symbols. Then, she spoke just as calmly.
Ram: Boom.
And at the same moment there was an explosion that blew to shreds not only the monster, but the entire wall in the living room. Subaru, now already lying on the floor in surprise from the completely crazy turn of events, opened his mouth, but then began to hurriedly touch his entire body, as if checking if all his parts were in place. Surprisingly, he didn't get damaged at all from the explosion created by the pink-haired girl, which blew almost the half of the living room to smithereens, with the monster near it.
Lowering her hand, she turned to him, looking down, as if waiting for some order. But Subaru was not up to it, he jumped up from the floor, running to a huge hole, or rather, to an empty space where the wall should have been, shockedly examining it, and what was behind it.
And behind it, it turned out, was not at all the usual Japanese city in which he lived, but an unusual forest, with large trees, but bright sunlight outside, which now illuminated not only his room, but it seemed like the whole house. The boy, who had been playing his games in the darkness of his room a couple of minutes ago, in his black T-shirt and the same shorts with socks, now stood in front of a strange forest, illuminated by daylight. He froze in front of an unusual landscape, looking somewhere into the distance of the forest, until the girl walked past him, putting her hand on his head. She looked into his eyes, waiting for something. Quickly recovering, Subaru blinked a couple of times, but the forest, like the hole with the girl, did not disappear. So it wasn't a dream at all. Then he replied, giving the girl a dubious look as well.
Subaru: What is the forest doing here...?
As if waiting for an answer, they continued to look at each other until another horned, flying creature appeared in the field of view of both. The monster quickly flew up to them, heading towards the boy, who simply backed away, expecting that he would now devour him. It was all so shocking, unexpected and strange that Subaru himself didn't know how he should react to it all.
But he didn’t have time to take a step back in order to hide it altogether, running away to another room, and sprawling in bed, childishly hoping that the monsters would miss him, or that he would just wake up and everything would be fine again, the girl picked him up, taking him in her arms, so easily, as if he were just a feather.
Then, suddenly, the girl flew up, flying into the hole in the forest, dodging the monster. It only took her one look to make the horned monster immediately explode into pieces, making a popping sound just like some balloon.

Subaru could just look at the pink-haired stranger, who, as if by some magic, was simply flying through the air in an unknown direction, did not pay attention to him at all, looking ahead, apparently looking at the road. Back when he was just sitting in his room playing a fantasy RPG game, he thought it would be nice to go on an unusual fantasy adventure. Was it an accident, or did some deity accidentally decide to grant his wish? Even he found it difficult to understand what it was, but then, feeling a slight breeze all over his body, which fluttered his short, black hair, he thought that it was not so bad as it seemed. That was so cool!

Chapter Text

Suddenly, Subaru felt his whole body engulfed in fatigue, and heavy eyelids began to slowly close. Everything fell into darkness again, just like then, in his room, but without a single light. Then he faintly remembered what the girl said to him when a completely new landscape appeared right in front of them, in addition to the forest.
Unknown how long he slept, and how much time had already passed, but Subaru finally opened his eyes. Everything was so blurry, he rubbed his eyes as he suddenly realized he was no longer in the girl's arms. He was lying on something very soft, and as expected, it was a snow-white bed that was soft enough that Subaru could fall asleep again even when he had just woken up.
He sat down on the bed as a sudden, terrible cold spread all over his body, which pretty quickly disappeared.
Subaru: What was that...
The boy sighed, placing a hand on his chest. To his surprise, he was no longer wearing his clothes, but what appeared to be a soft black kimono.
???: Just a side effect, nothing more.
An unknown voice explained, which made Subaru finch in fear again. He turned his head from side to side, seeing no one else in the room but himself. The room was absolutely quiet. By the way, the room looked half empty, completely closed, and without windows, but quite large. Like a room in a large mansion that might belong to some rich man.
The bed Subaru was lying on was also large enough to fit even four large, strong men.
Memories hit his head as soon as Subaru got out of bed. About what seems to have happened yesterday. Why did this strange pink-haired girl kidnap him, and where are his parents? What's happening? Putting on the shoes that someone had nicely left in front of his bed, he immediately headed for the door that was supposed to lead him, if not outside, then into the hallway of what could have been a mansion.
But before he even put his hand on the doorknob, it suddenly opened by itself, and two foreheads crashed into each other.
Subaru: Aw…That hurts…
Subaru recoiled back, closing his eyes, and immediately placed his hand on the red spot of the impact. His opponent, whom he didn’t have seen, seemed to have do the same.
???: Ouch...
Hearing a girl's voice, Subaru instantly jumped in front of the unknown girl, awkwardly bowing down so that his hair almost ran across the shiny floor.
Subaru: I'm sorry, please forgive me!
Still not seeing the unknown girl, with his eyes closed, he apologized just as awkwardly, but the words flew out of his mouth so fast that the girl herself, to whom he apologized, did not understand anything, and looked puzzled at the strange boy who himself did not dare to raise his head.
There was a small awkward pause, and the girl, who did not like this pause much, nevertheless spoke.
???: Please raise your head. You should not bow before me, but before Her Majesty.
Subaru raised his head in surprise when he heard the girl's words, especially the last line, which seemed strange to him. Expecting to see a pink-haired girl who Subaru seemed to think was some henchman of some rich and spoiled girl who thought she was the Queen of the whole world, he didn't see what he expected. Instead of the familiar pink-haired stranger, standing in front of him was a girl who was not much taller than Subaru himself, with short silver hair and unusually purple eyes, dressed in a black and white maid outfit.
Subaru, already surprised by the new girl he met, did not even have time to say a word, when a new, male, low and noisy voice was heard from behind.
???: Yea, ya better listen to ‘er dude, she won't say shit! And Her Majesty... F’ sure, Ram will punish ya!
The girl frowned, immediately turned to the source of the sound.
Silver-haired girl: Ser Garfiel! It's uncivilized of you!
Behind the girl, a large, tall figure appeared, revealed to be a knight fully clad in crimson red armor with gold trim, and black fur that made it look like he was a huge tiger.
He was much larger than the girl herself, as well as the boy, with armor that seemed even bigger, stronger and much scarier. Subaru could compare that the knight was as tall as a pink-haired girl who was 20 centimeters taller than Subaru himself. And although his face was not visible because of the helmet, which also looked like the face of a tiger, his tone was cheerful and friendly.
Knight Garfiel: Welp, 'm sorry. Need t’ take this boy w’ me, hea!
The knight laughed, carefully pushing the girl away. The silver-haired girl herself did not mind much when the knight threw Subaru on his shoulder, as if he was just a barrel, and carried him away.
The knight's footsteps echoed through, as Subaru expected, the mansion's vast hallway. Daylight streamed in through the large windows, decorated with some sort of red symbols with red glass on each. shining floor in the corridor was covered with a red carpet, on the walls were a couple of pots, in which were a small amount of blue luminous flowers, which added more magic to the unusual mystical atmosphere.
The silence, in which only the heavy steps of the knight and the clang of his armor could be heard, was destroyed by the knight Garfiel himself. Not looking up from the path the knight was on, he turned to Subaru, who was hanging awkwardly on his shoulder, clinging to Garfiel's armor with his hands, despite the fact that the knight himself was holding it with his large hand.
Knight Garfiel: ’S you, sorry, 'm a little late. I was instructed t’ pick ya up, but this miss decided tha’ I would be too bad at it. Ha, just imagin’! I am – n’ bad? Welp, tha’ not!
Knight Garfiel: It's you, sorry, I'm a little late. I was instructed to pick you up, but this miss decided that I would be too bad at it. Ha, just imagine! Am I bad? Well, I do not!
The knight laughed again, and his laughter also echoed throughout the corridor. Subaru didn’t even know what to say to this big guy, who not only spoke strangely and incomprehensibly, but also behaved, not at all like a valiant knight from the games Subaru had played before. But still, he decided to put in a word, remembering the name that the silver-haired maid called the knight.
Subaru: Ser Garfiel? I'm sorry, but where are we going?
He said with the utmost courtesy to a knight who could easily crush him with one hand.
Garfiel didn't answer right away, leaving a small pause.
Knight Garfiel: Ya'll see. We’re almost t‘ere.
Said knight, still unintelligible to Subaru, but he could understand what Garfiel was talking about. There was a door ahead, large enough for Knight Garfiel or that pink-haired girl. It stood out, being the only dark-red door, adorned with bright red and sky blue ornaments that looked like various shiny crystals and stones of various shapes.
Subaru gazed fascinated at the door, which seemed to be mystical and mesmerizing until they got closer to it. The knight took the Subaru off his shoulder and placed him in front of the door.
Knight Garfiel: Come in. And don't do anything stupid, you understand?
Subaru didn't know if the knight was threatening or warning, but he nodded his head. Knight opened the door, pushing Subaru inside. And then, the door closed.
And now Subaru was standing in a room that looked more like someone's office. Even though the daylight from the outside still illuminated it, the completely red windows, with the now black light symbols looming more like pictures he couldn't understand, made the light seem a lot darker and the office itself a lot more intimidating. Red was everywhere, with iridescent hues, completely black or too bright, shiny or velvety. The red seemed to envelop Subaru himself, as if flowing into him and past him. Everything was so red that the boy could not even understand when something seemed to grab him, and blinking, he was already in a completely different place.
Subaru: …Ahh??
Subaru blinked, then blinked again, but the office itself, its walls, and windows vanished from his view. Now he was standing outside the mansion, on the crimson checkered road, in the big garden, with a huge number of different flowers, among which were the same blue ones that he had seen in the hallway of the mansion. Subaru again couldn’t understand what was happening, and couldn’t even analyze what had just happened. How did he move from the red office to the huge garden? The answer came from behind.
Ram: I thought you'd be more comfortable here than inside.
From behind Subaru came a familiar pink-haired girl in a black shirt, which was visible from under a dark red jacket with bright shiny gold-crimson trim, the same dark red trousers, tie, and shoes. In addition to clothes, various gold jewelry, bracelets and rings also hung on her hands, one of the rings was dark blue, with a half-moon pattern. On her right ear, which was visible from under her pink hair, were various gold and black earrings, and around her neck was a necklace on a gold chain with a black crystal that hung down on her tie.
From the moment they met until now, her expression didn't change. She was as calm as then. Even though her voice might even seem too cold or indifferent, Subaru was comforted every time he heard her warm voice, and even her calm expression.
Subaru didn't know what to say with such a mesmerizing appearance of the girl. He doesn't even know her name... Her name!
Subaru: May I know your name?
He didn’t hesitate for a second with words, choosing each letter very carefully. And even though Subaru's words were very serious, he was very worried that he might say something wrong, and the girl would just explode him up, like she did with his living room wall and the monsters. Something else hit his head, in addition to excitement, doubt and a slight pain in the heart. Subaru suddenly blushed as he looked into the red eyes of the girl, so understanding and calm.
Ram: Does it matter?
Subaru raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Subaru: Of course! It’s very important for me to know your name!
The girl looked down at the floor in thought, but immediately returned her calm gaze, looking into Subaru's eyes again.
Subaru: I- Is something wrong? That… I didn't mean to offend you! Please don't… explode me up...
He closed his eyes in fear, thinking about how he would now explode into small pieces, like that monster, but the girl’s calm voice was the answer to him, in which neither hatred nor resentment at the boy’s words was read at all.
Ram: It’s...Ram.
Subaru opened his eyes, and indeed, no explosions, just a calm girl standing in front of him. Her calm voice sounded again.
Ram: My name is Ram. Please call me Ram.
Subaru: Ram... What a lovely name. It suits you very well!
The boy had a wide, soft smile on his face. He was glad the girl answered him without explode him up. Something else... What kind of feelings? Something with his heart...
Subaru: AGH! What- What is this...?!!
Subaru violently clutching to his heart, which was beating wildly, spreading unbearable pain throughout his body with every heartbeat. He felt his body grow heavy, his legs seemed to no longer support him, and staggering, he fell. But not on the ground. The girl, Ram, gently grabbed him in her arms right as he fell. She picked him up, and he again lay in the arms of a familiar girl, like in the first time. There was a wild ringing in his ears, and he could not hear what the girl was saying, looking at his face, full of pain and tears.
Ram: Looks like it wasn't enough.
She placed her soft hand on the boy's forehead, and Subaru's body glowed red again. He felt the engulfed fatigue over his body again, and again, he closed his eyes, falling asleep.
Ram, holding the boy in front of her eyes, snapped her fingers and the two ended up in the room Subaru woke up in. She carefully laid him on the bed, covering him with a soft blanket.
But the girl not intending to leave him alone again, she wiped the tears from the now calm face of the boy with her red handkerchief, and sat on the edge of the bed next to the boy, carefully watching that his breathing was smooth and his face was calm.
In silence, the door slowly opened, from which came the familiar clang of metal. A knight went inside, followed by a silver-haired maid. They approached, looking at the girl and the boy sleeping on the bed.
Garfiel: I see ‘t wasn’t enough, huh?
The knight glanced at the sleeping boy as he removed his helmet.
Ram: Yes. Unfortunately, the seal was imposed by force, which affected his physical health.
The pink-haired girl didn't take her eyes off the boy at all, now cross-legged, with a slight doubt on her face that Subaru couldn't catch.
The silver-haired maid placed her hand on her chin in thought.
Emilia: But there must be a way out, right? It can't be that bad...
Ram: Right. There is a way out. But.
Emilia: I don't like that "but"...
Garfiel: What? Need t’ bring someone t’ sacrifice or what?
Ram: Yes.
Garfiel: Really?
Ram: No.
Garfiel: Awh…
And silence again, in which everyone thought about the unfinished words of the lady, all watching at sleeping boy.
Emilia: But still, he should wake up, right? He can't just die in his sleep now?
Ram: Right. He wouldn’t die. I won’t let him.
Garfiel: Sound’ scary... Did ya really just make this contract w’ him?
Ram: Yes. I need him. And I will never let him die. Not now.
After saying that, Ram stood up and looked at the two of them. She crossed her arms.
Ram: He should wake up faster now. But I have to go, need to find another way. Tell when he starts to wake up.
And the girl disappeared, leaving a small red glow, which, like the girl, quickly evaporated.
Garfiel: I hate when she does ‘t. Tha’ damn teleport ‘f ‘ers, seriously, can't she ‘et out w’thout ‘t?
The knight began to complain about the use of the magic of the pink-haired girl, stamping his foot, because of which the clanging of metal armor was heard throughout the room. The silver-haired maid frowned again, slanting a disapproving look at the knight.
Emilia: Be quiet or you'll wake him up. And please, speak normally.
Garfiel scratched the back of his head with his dark red gloved hand.
Garfiel: Sorry, I'm still learning.
He looked away in embarrassment, gritting his sharp teeth.
Garfiel: 'S not tha’ easy, you know!

Time passed, and already the moon illuminated the mansion, and silence gently poured inside. Not a single sound, except for footsteps barely audible from the corridor. Standing at the red door, the girl nervously bit her lip, as if not intending to go inside, as it was supposed to. But she raised her fist to the door and knocked inside.
A calm voice rang out, causing the girl who could barely raise her gaze to flinch in fright.
Ram: Rem, come in.
The girl nevertheless raised her fearful gaze, looking at the door from where the voice came from. But she wasn't brave enough to walk in like that. She was scared, and putting her hand on the doorknob, she couldn't open it. Then the door opened by itself, and a pink-haired girl in a familiar suit looked down at her.
Ram: Come in already, don't just stand outside.
Warrior nodded, heading inside. Seeing Ram all glowing up by red markings all over her body, Rem tilted her head.
Rem: That… Again?
She made a doubtful look, worrying about her lady.
Ram: Don't worry. It’s not as it was back then. It won't happen again, I promise.
Ram crossed her arms, standing straight in front of the warrior, but not looking into her eyes. Assessing the appearance of the warrior girl, which consisted of black and red clothes, she placed her hand on her chin in thought. She spoke in a completely calm tone, but even so, Rem was scared.
Ram: The contract will make him suffer. But that's not all. I have to visit the Witch while Rem spends time with Subaru. This is temporary. Rem should treat him well. Understood?
Sanctified in all red light, the girl grabbed Rem's shoulders, gazing her blood-red eyes intently into her bright blue ones. She frowned, making a menacing, intimidating look, and tightly squeezing the girl's shoulders, because of which she was on the verge of crying out of fear.
Ram: If something happens to him...
Ram gritted her teeth, glaring furiously at the poor girl, who was trembling with fear, not knowing what to do.
Ram: If anything happens to him, I will destroy this whole world. All of you, I will crush you all into the dirt, leaving no bones. I will make you suffer, experience hellish torments, for my name is Oni God.

…

???: Good morning!
A cheerful, feminine voice that Subaru didn't know spoke out. He frowned in displeasure, reluctantly getting out of bed. Rubbing his eyes, Subaru suddenly felt a sudden deja vu.
Subaru: Wait… Didn’t I do the same before?
He glanced around the room, but now it wasn't empty at all. Standing beside his bed was a young girl with sky blue short hair tied in a small ponytail at the back, wearing a short sleeved white blouse and black jeans held together with black suspenders.
She also wore black fingerless gloves and what appeared to be a black choker around her neck.
She smiled cheerfully, looking at him with her bright blue eyes. Her hands were folded in her lap, and she herself looked as if she was waiting for him to wake up.
Subaru: You... You didn't wait here for me all night, did you?
The girl's eyes shone, and she answered without thinking, with great joy in her words.
Rem: That's right, Rem has been waiting for you to wake up all night!
The words flew out of her like birds into the boundless sky, rocks hitting and crashing against Subaru, who made a disapproving face.
Subaru: You know, I don't want anyone watch me sleep. It's so... strange. Don't do that again, okay?
Rem: No!
Subaru: Huh??

Rem led him from the bedroom to the dining room, which was much larger than Subaru had imagined. As expected for a huge mansion, the dining room was decorated with various decorations, and as usual, half of them were red. It seemed that a chandelier hung on the ceiling, but it burned with the help of many candles, with a red fire. Although this did not change the usual bright daylight in the room.
Subaru sat on the chair closest to the girl, Ram, who was sitting in the middle, looking at everyone in the dining room with her legs crossed.
Subaru looked around as well. There were also figures already familiar to him, as well as those with whom he had not been able to meet before.
The silver-haired maid was standing to Ram's left, next to where Subaru had sat down was Knight Garfiel, still fully dressed in his knight's armor without even taking off his helmet. The girl he met in the morning, with sky blue hair, stood to Ram's right with her hands clasped behind her back, like the silver-haired maid.
The strangers were the pair of people who mostly sat on the other side of the table. Sitting next to Subaru was a boy who looked about 10 years old, with dark blue short hair, cut neatly at the sides. Seeing the way Subaru looked at him, he responded unkindly.
Boy: What?
Subaru, who did not expect him to respond at his gaze, shook his head.
Subaru: Nothing.
Boy: Shut up then.
The rest, sitting on the opposite side of the table, were five girls and seven men. Subaru wondered if they could all be employees of the mansion, and Ram-sama herself?

Chapter Text

Ram: This is Subaru Natsuki. From now on, he will be my ward. Treat him appropriately.

Ram said as the dining room finally fell silent. Everyone present nodded but didn't say a word. In addition, the dark blue haired boy himself. He stood up, addressing the pink haired girl, who immediately turned her attention to him.

Boy: Excuse me Ram-sama, but who is this boy? He doesn't look like one of the locals, isn't he a foreigner?

Everyone immediately looked warily at the boy, and then at Ram. She was silent.

Rem: That's right, he's a foreigner. But it does not matter. So don't ask stupid questions.

A nearby girl, familiar, with sky-blue hair, frowned. She did not move from her place, but looked disapprovingly at the boy who decided to put in his word.

He grimaced in displeasure, clicking his tongue.

Boy: Come on! Isn't it weird that some weird looking stranger would be living with us here just by suddenly showing up one day?

Although he didn't shout, he spoke in a rather loud and annoyed tone, causing the atmosphere to suddenly become tense.

???: Hey hey! Watch your tongue, kid! How dare you talk to Ram-sama's ward and respected guest of her estate like that!

Said the man with dark brown hair. He also got up from his chair, leaning on the table, looking angrily at the boy. He did not hesitate, and already both angrily looked into each other's eyes.

Boy: Don't you care that this person can just bring danger not only to this mansion, but to the whole world?! You do know who he is, don't you?! Maybe he's just a some maniac!

He pointed at Subaru sitting next to him.

Man: Don't you dare talk to Ram-sama's guest like that! You, impolite kid, have no conscience at all?!

Subaru was confused, not knowing what to say. The two started arguing loudly until a man with dark brown hair grabbed the boy by the scruff of the neck. The boy resisted, but the man was much stronger than him. He raised his hand, clenching his hand into a fist, preparing to punch the naughty boy right in the face.

A girl with dark green hair sitting nearby approached the two, stopping them. She grabbed the boy, pulling him away from the man.

Rem: Stop it, now!

Finally, the girl called out, and everyone in the dining room gasped. She slammed her hand on the table, causing everyone to turn their attention to her.

Rem: What a commotion you've made right in front of Ram-sama! You are truly ungrateful people!

Her firm voice again calmed everyone, and everyone again sat down in their seats.

Man: Please forgive me Ram-sama. I am sincerely sorry that I raised my voice and hand to the Count. Please punish me for such an atrocious act.

The man said when he saw the intimidating and vicious look of Ram's red eyes. He immediately stood up and bowed. Ram shifted her gaze to the boy, who immediately ran around the table, straight to Ram's place. From there, he glared angrily at the man.

Boy: You jerk!

He stuck out his tongue at the man, who awkwardly placed his hand on his chest, closing his eyes.

Rem: Sorry for the incident earlier! These two....Don't get along very well, do they?

The four of them were walking down the hall when Rem apologized, speaking for Ram's place. She was silent all this time.

Boy: Yep! This idiot simply does not understand that all this nonsense can end very badly!

Said the boy Ram held in her arms. He turned to look at Subaru. Then he winced slightly.

Boy: It's...I'm sorry for blaming you then.

He scratched the back of his head slowly, looking away from Subaru, who smiled.

Subaru: It's okay! Don't worry, I understand it's my fault... It's...

He shifted his gaze to the pink-haired girl who was looking at him with her cold, soothing gaze.

Subaru: Actually! It's your fault!

Subaru frowned as he remembered that it was the fault of the girl who had literally stolen him from his own house. He looked at the girl, she looked at him, he looked at the girl.

Rem: Ahh! Do not throw accusations!!

The girl walking next to Ram panicked, waving her arms awkwardly as she jumped up in front of Ram and Subaru, who were walking side by side, looking at each other.

Boy: Seriously, not only does this guy look weird, he's also so damn stupid?

Subaru: I'm not stupid! Actually, that "Ram-sama" of yours kidnapped me!

Rem: It's-! Please don't fight each other!

Boy: Oh, I see.

There were only two people left in front of the door to the room that Rem led the guest into, allocating special room to him. After Subaru entered, Rem and Ram left, leaving only the boy and Subaru himself.

Subaru sat down on the bed, and the boy stood next to him. He looked at Subaru, whose brown eyes were fixed on the floor. He was silent.

Boy: Oh, that Ram... She's full of mysteries, isn't she?

The boy broke the silence, looked at the closed door, and then at Subaru himself.

Subaru: Yes. She is very mysterious...

Subaru spoke in a calm, cold, and thoughtful tone. He paused, continuing in a slower, quieter tone.

Subaru: She's wonderful.

The boy looked at him in confusion as he walked closer and sat next to Subaru on the bed. Subaru himself glanced at the boy, who was also thinking about something again. He also spoke calmly, but his words were warmer as a smile appeared on the boy's face.

Boy: Yeah, she's wonderful.

Subaru also smiled, confirming the words of the person sitting next to him. He nodded in response.

Subaru: Yes.

And again a long pause in which both interlocutors were silent, smiling warmly, remembering the familiar pink-haired girl who had recently left the room. Then, both looked at each other in the eyes, still silently thinking about something of their own. Then, Subaru suddenly jumped up in front of the boy, which scared him at first, and extended his hand to him.

Subaru: My name is Subaru. Subaru Natsuki! And you?

The boy raised an eyebrow and then laughed at the ridiculous greeting from the stranger Subaru. He stood in front of him, taking his hand. Then he smiled, and said with a small chuckle.

Boy: Umm.. You can call me Roswaal. Welcome Subaru-kun!

They both shook hands cheerfully, smiling ridiculously and laughing in each other's faces, until they finally let go of their hands when they heard the door open. On the threshold stood a familiar girl, Ram, arms folded, leaning against the wall. She looked at the two boys who just smiled back at her strangely, both blushing, either from awkwardness or embarrassment.  

Another girl, Rem, also entered inside. She again spoke for the place of her mistress, who had been silent all this time, just staring at the two, almost without blinking and without changing her cold, emotionless expression.

Rem: I don't want to interrupt your sweet talk, but we need to take Roswaal-sama with us!

Roswaal's smile instantly disappeared, and his gaze instantly darted around, trying to look anywhere but at the two girls who entered inside. He was somehow agitated and confused, Subaru wanted to stand up for his new friend, protesting where the two girls would drag him, but changed his mind, looking again at the serious red eyes that the girl looked at them without taking her eyes off. Roswaal didn't answer either, he looked down at the floor as he walked through the open door, past the girls. Ram followed him, putting a hand on his shoulder. Subaru stayed there, watching the two departing figures that disappeared through the door.

Then, he turned to the side where Rem was standing with her hands clasped behind her back, who also followed the two with her eyes. Then he sighed and asked.

Subaru: And you're staying with me now, right?

The girl also turned to him, smiling sweetly. She happily answered.

Rem: Yes! But later, because first, Roswaal-sama and Ram-sama need time, and then Rem must lead them on their way. And then, Rem will stay with Subaru-kun again!

Subaru: Oh..

….

It was a cold, lonely night. The only picture was a bloodbath, from an extinct fire, destroyed and burned buildings, heaps of dead bodies, burned corpses, the ocean of blood and tears.

Witch: See this. They are all dead. They are all dead because of you.

These words speared into the heart of the girl who held such a familiar corpse in her hands, shedding a lot of tears and blood on a lifeless body. She could not come to terms with the loss, barely holding back the endless stream of emotions, her heart almost bursting with grief, guilt, the pain of which she was caused.

Witch: Your actions. These are all your actions.

She screamed, her tears mingling with blood as they flowed through the corpses and the ruins that cracked and collapsed. Somewhere the fire was still burning, somewhere there was still smoke. But nowhere, no one, no one else was alive. And she was already dead.

"Please save her... I'm begging you, save her!!"

Again and again, she begged her for saving, the girl that lay lifeless in her arms, to patch up a huge hole in her stomach, burned parts of her bodies, cut hands, tearful lifeless eyes.

Witch: But you can't do that. She is dead. You are dead. All are dead. What can you do now that you have already destroyed this world?

"Save Her."

….

Witch: I mean, why don't you do it yourself, huh? Of course, it's good that you managed to bring him here without consequences, but this is still only a small part of the plan.

The Witch said as she turned to the pink-haired girl who was frowning at her.

Ram: Just don't want to put others in danger. It will end badly if the result is the end of the world. After all, the main goal was salvation, not destruction. If we manage to bring her back to life, without damage or loss, it will be a success.

The girl crossed her arms, looking away thoughtfully. The Witch sighed as she stepped closer to Ram. The two looked at each other, when the Witch speaking first.

Witch: I know that you want to save her, but you should not forget that this may not end very well. Just try not to do stupid things, okay?

Putting her hands on the girl's shoulders, the Witch touched her forehead.

Witch: I promise I will help you. I'll do my best.

Rem: Subaru-kun should try this!

Trying out different new clothes, Subaru turned around in front of the mirror, looking at himself from different angles and different poses. He smoothed out his slightly oversized black and white suit as Rem handed him a new set of clothes.

Subaru: Hmm… It’s all kind of strange. Can't I get my old clothes back?

Feeling himself, and again examining from every angle, Subaru looked at himself with displeasure, imagining his usual black T-shirt with pants or his suit, which he often wore outside the house, instead of unusual clothes. It seemed that he was completely used to what was happening here, and that he could never go back.

Of course, everything seemed so strange and unusual, but still, what could he do? If he could change anything, he would...

Subaru: This one doesn’t seem so bad, though.

Wearing black shorts, a white shirt, and dark shoes that looked more like boots, Subaru turned around in front of the mirror again, smiling contentedly. He turned to his partner, who also smiled happily at him.

Subaru: Well, I already look handsome enough, right?

The girl happily examined him, running closer. She smoothed out the bumps, and standing close, gave her review.

Rem: Yes! Subaru-kun is very attractive!

Satisfied, Subaru put his hand on his chin, making a ridiculous smug grimace. He laughed as he closed his eyes and imagined the scenarios that would happen once he stepped outside.

Subaru: I hope at least she likes it… Ehehe…

Heavy footsteps from the corridor, and another familiar voice sounded in response.

Garfiel: Yea, she'll sure like it!

Subaru gasped when he saw who that voice belonged to, live, without armor. In front of him stood a tall man, with short golden hair swept back, with sharp jade eyes, and a big fanged smile. When he saw Subaru looking at him, he blushed and smiled even wider.

Subaru: Why are you half naked…?

Indeed, the man did not wear any outerwear, leaving on display his strong muscular body, which covered many different scars. Looks like the only clothing was underneath, black leather pants with an iron belt. And absolutely no shoes.

Garfiel: Aha! Yar surprised by such an open outfit! Puhu, bud’, don't worry.

Garfiel stepped closer, placing a hand on Subaru's shoulder. He froze as the man leaned closer, close enough that he could feel his cold breath on his neck. He whispered.

Garfiel: Make sure you take Ram's whole heart.

He spoke in a calm, quiet but menacing tone, as if telling him what to do. Goosebumps ran through Subaru's body, as did a strange coldness, and horror, as if this powerful knight would break him if he moved or said anything. But Garfiel moved away behind him, returning his usual cheerful toothy smile, clapping his hands.

Garfiel: T’s outfit really suits you, yea!

Subaru still didn't dare to move, but before anyone could say anything, a loud explosion rang out outside the mansion. Subaru immediately rushed away, remembering his unfortunate wall, and Ram, who could blow up not only this one mansion with everyone inside with a single wave of his hand, but simply destroy everything around. Following Subaru, Rem was the first to follow, and they were joined by the knight Garfiel, who was still smiling, not at all worried about what was happening outside.

When the two arrived, to their surprise, or to Subaru's own surprise, there was no hole that should have been the site of the explosion, no visible effects of the explosion. Instead, they saw two familiar figures who seemed to have left the manor long ago.

Subaru: Ram! What happened?!

Subaru ran closer to see them and help in case they got hurt. Surprisingly, when he approached, he saw the most unusual picture. His friend, a little boy, Roswaal, was crying while kneeling in the arms of a pink-haired girl, Ram, who hugged him tightly, stroking his head and comforting him. She muttered something very softly, which was hard to make out over the crying of little Roswaal, who seemed to be in great pain. Subaru was about to run closer to calm his friend, but Garfiel stopped him with a single movement of his hand, grabbing his shoulder, he did not give him a chance to move.

Ram put her head on top of the crying boy's head, looking at the people who came, but not saying a word.

Subaru: Ram...?

For some reason, Ram changed her usually calm expression to a sad one. She was still silent, but looking at Subaru, he knew what to do when the knight's hand released him.

Subaru: Roswaal!!

He ran up to his friend when he suddenly noticed that he was also half-naked, leaving only short black brown trousers. There were also strange red marks all over his body that slowly faded away as if melting into his skin.

Little Roswaal didn't seem to hear them at all, as if crying from the agony, the pain that what was happening to him caused him. Ram held her hand on his bare back, which glowed with a bright light.

Subaru couldn't figure out what was happening to his friend, but he also put his hand on him, suddenly feeling an incomprehensible warmth, or rather a fire that was so hot that Subaru felt like he could burn his entire hand if he kept it on him for too long.

Behind them, the other two also approached, looking at the crying little Roswaal. Garfiel, not nearly embarrassed by what was happening, still smiling his fanged smile, chuckled and asked.

Garfiel: Yo, looks like t’ kid was havin’ a hard time, huh?

Once again, Ram returned her unwavering face, speaking calmly but loud enough to be heard over the kid's cry.

Ram: Right. This time, everything was much less successful, unfortunately.

Garfiel: Need help?

Ram: Of course.  

Chapter Text

Subaru: Are you sure he'll be fine?

Worried about his friend Subaru as the two were already walking down the hallway, leaving the boy's room. To Subaru's surprise, Ram managed to calm him down easily by seemingly using some sort of magic on him. She and the knight were inside for a while while the others waited outside. Leaving the room, Subaru and Ram walked down the hallway without hurrying somewhere. Ram stared ahead as if she was completely oblivious to Subaru's question without saying a word. He looked into her face, which was serious and thoughtful.

Subaru: Ram?

Then Ram immediately shifted her gaze to him, and then slowly but still looked away.

Ram: He's fine.

Subaru smiled as he shifted his gaze to the street as he passed the windows. There was a knight standing outside, who seemed to have left just after the two left. Even though Subaru didn't know him that closely, he thought that despite his scary-looking image, he wasn't a bad guy. He was strong enough that it is obvious that Garfiel was hired as the personal guard of such an important person as Ram.

Subaru: Where did you even find him?

Subaru said jokingly as he looked at the knight outside, who seemed to be training without changing his clothes, or lack thereof, into his usual armor. He didn't expect the answer that suddenly came out, Ram looking in the same direction as Subaru.

Ram: We've known each other for a long time. Although Garf is still younger than Ram.

Subaru: Younger?! He doesn't look any younger than you!

Garfiel whose appearance didn't match his age, Subaru's face twisted in surprise. He was looking at Ram, who was looking at him, seemingly surprised by Subaru's surprise.

Ram: He doesn't? Garf is still a little kitten.

Subaru: Kitten?!

Subaru was worried, maybe his eyes were deceiving him, and Knight Garfiel really looked younger than he thought. But after blinking a couple of times, looking at the knight training outside, his muscular, hard, strong appearance did not disappear. How could such a formidable knight like him be so young.

Subaru: You must be joking!

He exclaimed as he suddenly recoiled in fear as another familiar girl suddenly appeared right in front of him.

Rem: Nope!

She smiled gleefully while Subaru nearly died of fright at the sudden appearance of a girl who scared the hell out of him. After that, he sighed in annoyance, indignant at the girl's behavior.

Subaru: Seriously, you almost killed me right now!

Rem blushed in shame and then quickly ducked behind Ram, who didn't pay attention to her, only silently staring at Subaru. He frowned, sighed again, and then looked at the girl who was peeking out from behind Ram.

Subaru: So what do you mean?

Rem's faded smile immediately returned to its place, and she confidently walked in front of Ram, happily declaring directly to Subaru's face, smiling widely.

Rem: The sister is much older than the knight! Yes, sister is the eldest here.

Surprised by yet another sudden unexpected piece of news, Subaru raised an eyebrow as he looked warily at the girl.

Subaru "Sister?" Is she your sister?

Rem: That's right!

Subaru glanced at Ram, who was still not paying her attention to their conversation. She glanced at Subaru himself, who then looked back at Rem, and then back at Ram. Looking at both of them, Subaru couldn't figure out for a long time if she was telling the truth or if it was just another hoax.

Both were very different, having not only different hair color, height and choice of clothing, but also a character. Their faces, facial expressions, also differed. They would be opposites of each other, but they really seemed to be similar in some way to each other.

Subaru: So you're sisters? It's hard to believe, you know. She's your older sister, right?

Rem: Yes, yes!

She nodded happily when Subaru still couldn’t figure out if she was joking or if it was truly an unusual truth.

Ram: Rem is indeed Ram's little sister.

Ram, who was silent all the time, confirmed the words of Rem turned out to be her younger sister, who cheered up, and immediately grabbed Ram's free hand, clinging to her.

Subaru: "Rem"? So that's your name! Even your names are similar.

Subaru was glad that he was able to get to know his new surroundings better. At the mere thought of making new friends, he smiled widely and happily as he looked at both girls in a friendly manner. The joyful atmosphere where the two smiled at each other, except for Ram, still didn't change her expression.

Ram: Subaru.

She said coldly, causing all the happy atmosphere to immediately disappear. The three of them stood still while Rem and Subaru looked at the girl warily, whose words suddenly sounded extremely ominous and frightening, causing even Rem to let go of her hand, and move away from her. Noticing this, Ram only sighed due to the awkwardness of the frightening atmosphere she accidentally created.

Ram: There's a forest nearby. Let's go there and bring the ingredients for tea.

The two looked at each other, stunned, as they stood in a familiar office, where daylight filtered through the windows, illuminating the red interior once again. An awkward pause as they looked at each other and then at the girl in front of them.

Subaru: Ingredients for tea? Why do we need tea?

He raised an eyebrow, asking the girl what she might mean. As if her words were a cipher that he unsuccessfully tried to decipher, he examined her, and everything that was nearby, to understand what she could mean. Ram, sitting on her red chair, stood in front of them, and without saying another word, she moved to the exit. Subaru was still standing dumbfounded, trying to figure out why tea might even be needed when Rem tugged at his arm and the two of them followed the departing girl.

Before they left the mansion, Subaru glanced at the path where the forest was. And there, in the distance, he really could see the forest. Even from afar he could see thick, huge trees, and darkness, deep into the forest, from which monsters could climb out, which would easily tear it to shreds. Subaru gulped as the cold hand of a familiar sweet girl touched his shoulder.

Rem: Isn't that wonderful? Subaru-kun will be able to travel with us!

She said in her usual cheerful tone, smiling brightly at him as well, not at all frightened by what might await them. Of course, how can she be scared? The girl, Ram, will go with them, and Subaru knows for sure that she is much stronger than some monsters from the darkness. At that thought, Subaru also smiled and nodded at the girl.

Subaru: Sure, it will be an interesting journey!

Standing outside, although Subaru had doubts, he was sure that Ram would help them if they got into trouble. And that they certainly won't get lost. Hearing heavy footsteps behind him, Subaru turned around to face knight Garfiel, who was smiling at him with his toothy smile. Subaru smiled back at him when he noticed that he was holding a medium iron sword. He was surprised.

Subaru: Are you coming with us too?

He said, but Garfiel just shook his head as he held out the sword to Subaru. He took it hesitantly, but surprisingly it wasn't as heavy as Subaru had imagined.

Garfiel: Ah, ‘f only I could go! Ram again filled me up with work. Well, tha’ my life...

The knight sighed sarcastically, scratching the back of his head. He looked over at Subaru, patting him on the shoulder as Subaru stared at his reflection in the blade of the sword that shone in the daylight.

Garfiel: Ya'll need it anyway. Take care, ‘kay?

Then Ram returned, who for some reason retreated back to the mansion. She patted Garfiel on the back and then glanced at Subaru, who was only equipped with a new sword and more suitable clothes for traveling in the forest. Ram suddenly smiled as if she saw a funny picture, but still stayed silent, and walked past Subaru, heading towards the forest, where Rem had already run away. Subaru followed them, finally waving at the knight whose figure was slowly moving away from him, who waved back. Then he shifted his gaze to the road, and to the two girls walking ahead. They were already talking about something, in their usual cheerful and cold tone. Subaru still walked behind, looking at them. Not wanting to disturb the conversation, he looked ahead, where he could already see the greenery of a mysterious deep forest.

About two hours passed until all three walked through a dense forest, consecrated only by daylight, which passed through the trees, whose green thick leaves rustled in the wind, one of the sources of sound in complete silence. Steps, crunch and rustling of leaves underfoot, while the whole trinity slowly advanced through the forest.

Subaru tried to stay closer to the girls, trying to keep up with them. Although they walked slowly enough so that he did not lag behind them, but still, he was distracted by the ends of the forest, which, by the way, were really beautiful. But something was frightening in him, because of which Subaru sometimes scared, then running closer to them. Ram stopped several times, which also did Rem, looking at him strangely.

Finding one of several ingredients that were looking for, they continued the searches that were not entirely successful. Then the Ram proposed to divide, with which Rem agreed, but not Subaru.

Subaru: Seriously, divide? This is a clearly bad idea!

He objected, although he knew that it would be much easier for them to find everything they were looking for so that then they would come back. He was really scared, to be alone in this scary forest. No one never know what can happen, right?

Ram: Then Rem will go with Subaru.

Subaru: I'm not- That’s..! Argh, fine! Let's go, Rem!

He pulled her hand to the side, in which Ram pointed to them, and Subaru and Rem disappeared from sight, leaving Ram behind. Subaru could feel how she escorted them with her cold gaze before they finally did not move away from her far enough.

When two already wandered through the forest, looking for the ingredient they needed, which the Ram described as an unusual blue flower, Subaru tried to peer into the surroundings, but there were no colors anywhere. Around there was only gray greens, trees with a dark brown solid trunk, which Subaru took by the pine tree. But they were much larger and more magnificent than an ordinary pine from his world.

Subaru sighed heavily, throwing his hands behind his head, raising his eyes up to the tops of the trees, which seemed too large for those that he saw in an ordinary forest. Moreover, bright daylight was replaced by a darker, dull, and it was not completely clear whether the night was coming now, or it was only leaves that prevent the light from entering the forest, because from below everything seemed so large, as if the trees themselves were incredibly huge, Yes, so that they created emptiness, completely black, and impenetrable. Subaru noticed that the longer he peers into the depths of this emptiness, the stronger his feeling of fear grows. He looked down when goosebumps ran across his body.

Rem: Have you heard anything about the Witch, Subaru?

Said the girl, who silently walked next to him all this time, destroying the silence. Subaru looked at her in surprise, but she did not look at him at all, and her smile, which he usually saw, disappeared. He looked worried, although Subaru could not understand what she was talking about.

Subaru: Witch? What do you mean?

She bit her lip, adding anger to her worried expression.

Rem: Sister... The damned Witch, she corrupted her...

Without expecting it, Subaru felt another wave of goosebumps, and a strange cold, because of which he looked from Rem, somewhere to the side, in confusion, wondering what she could talk about. He knew absolutely nothing about this world, of course he had fun to have fun here with his new friends, or those whom he considered as friends. It’s obvious that there will be something deep, unknown to him, possibly frightening. But what can Subaru do? He was not a hero at all, did not possess any abilities, did anyone expect something from him?

Then two walked in silence, until the bright sunlight disappeared at all, leaving two in the complete darkness of the night forest. They stopped, Subaru expected that Ram would take them so that they could return and later search the forest in the morning, in the light, and not in pitch darkness.

"I wonder if Ram could get lost... Although, no, she’s too cool for it!" - thought Subaru, not paying attention to Rem, whose blue eyes shone in the dark, which seemed rather strange. He looked around when he suddenly noticed a small blue glow in the distance, which could just come from the blue flower that they were looking for. Subaru immediately started, and called Rem.

Subaru: Look! Seems like the flower we were looking for?

Although they could not see the source of light from afar, for some reason, Subaru was sure that it really was that flower, so he instantly moved forward, but was stopped by Rem, who looked at him seriously. She did not say anything, but let him go, and Subaru fluffing his ardor, they both headed to the source of light.

Coming closer, the light became much larger, brighter, the wind became colder, and all the greenery disappeared from under their feet. Subaru looked around, but still didn't see anything strange when a light source appeared ahead. Then Subaru gasped as he realized that it wasn't a flower ahead at all, but a brightly lit building. What is this building doing in the forest? Subaru stepped closer, this building was indeed glowing light blue, but it was still not a flower. It was strange enough, even frightening, but neither of the two of them moved.

Rem didn't say a word as she walked past Subaru towards the building and inside when he noticed that there was a passageway. Although he did not follow her as she went up the stairs and disappeared inside, he did not dare to go inside. Then he decided to call the girl if she suddenly finds herself in danger.

Subaru: Rem? Come out, we need to call Ram! If this is something dangerous...

He did not hear the answer that should have come from the girl who had disappeared inside. He called out to her again, in case she just didn't hear him.

Subaru: Rem! Get out of there!

There was still no response, which made Subaru worried. Then, he forced himself to go inside, climbing the steps, and disappearing inside. To his surprise, it was even brighter inside, so he had to close his eyes to keep from going blind. But when he opened his eyes, he was even more shocked.

Subaru was no longer inside the building. He stood on a huge, seemingly endless, clearing completely covered with blue luminous flowers. Then he might be glad that he finally found them, and so many, but he just had no idea how he got here, and was completely shocked. It wasn't the forest they'd been in before, no. He seemed to be transported to another place by simply closing his eyes.

Subaru took a couple of steps forward as the flowers stirred under his feet, crunching and rustling. Subaru continued to move forward, but the clearing was so endless that it seemed like he was not moving at all, just standing still. He walked forward, slowly, sometimes it seemed to him that his legs, which disappeared under the flowers, seemed to be holding by something, forcing him to make an effort to take a step forward.

As he continued walking forward, he began to notice that the scenery was slowly changing, and beyond the clearing, now he saw the forest again. Had he really moved to the clearing, a little further from the forest? But still, something in this forest has changed. Passing through the trees, he noticed the roofs... These were houses, wooden houses. Ahead was a village, from the sounds of which it was possible to understand that someone clearly lived there. Subaru stood at the entrance to the inside, confused, looking at the village, and the life inside.

Subaru: A village…in the middle of a forest? What's going on here...?

Witch: Really, what's going on here?

 A completely unfamiliar voice rang out, causing Subaru to turn back to look at the source of that voice. But there was no one behind, except for the trees of an unfamiliar forest. But when Subaru turned back around, he gasped as he saw the village change into a black ruins with burnt bodies all over. Everyone was dead. Subaru moved closer, across the scorched grass, to what stood out among the burnt remains of the hidden village.

Subaru: You… Who are you?

He said, looking at a tall girl with long white hair, who was standing with her back to him. Subaru wasn't scared, but there was still something wrong with this girl. Her black outfit, her pure white skin, her wide smile...

Witch: You really don't look like a hero. But you're not a hero, are you? Still, it looks like Ram wasn't wrong when she said she could change things for the better. I have high hopes for her, and she has high hopes for you. Well, let's see if you meet my expectations.

Subaru couldn't say a word when something suddenly grabbed his legs, squeezing them, causing him to fall to the ground, losing his balance. He turned his attention to what was preventing him from moving his legs, it was already too late. A blue flower completely wrapped around his body with its huge roots that twisted, squeezing his entire body. He could feel his bones cracking as the blue flower pressed against him.

Subaru: Gha-! Stop!

He could feel the flower's sharp spikes digging into his skin, many such spikes, squeezing his body as if eating him, eating him alive. He began to panic, fear enveloped his entire body, but he could not do anything, nothing at all. Subaru thought he was about to die until he suddenly opened his eyes.

Subaru: ….what-

No village, no flowers. He was sitting under a tree in the forest where he had been before. A small, fluffy, white rabbit looked at him from afar. His red eyes didn't leave him. He was absolutely still, just looking at him. Subaru couldn't take his eyes off him either, staring back at him. When his body started to move... No, something on his body was moving. Subaru looked again at what was on top of him, pinning it to the ground with all his weight. No, not something. It's someone.

Subaru finally realized that he was almost completely surrounded by small white rabbits that crawled on his body, crawling under his clothes, on top of him, by the millions. There were so many of them that many simply did not move. They climbed in a heap over his body, rubbing their soft fur against him, and their red eyes were sometimes visible from the crowd. They seemed to be so heavy that they would have simply crushed him to death.

He was frightened by such a strange phenomenon, a bunch of rabbits that pressed on him, as if crowding around his body in an endless number. But he couldn't just shake them off, not that he could move at all, no, that was impossible. Soon, this heaviness really began to hurt him, as the rabbits, which seemed to become more and more, a huge number of these rabbits, pressed on him.