Chapter Text
At first, Makoto blamed his eyes, which weren't used to the light yet. But then it became very clear: he was in the city he didn't know at all. It wasn't like any other city, but a completely unfamiliar city of the Middle Ages! At least it looked like a medieval city, but looking back at the street, Makoto realized that it was a fantasy city straight out of the pages of some manga. Cobblestone streets, people with unusual looks, and dragons loaded into wagons clearly hinted at where he was.
– I'm in a fantasy world! – an unexpected voice sounded next to Makoto, causing him to turn around.
Next to him was a guy about his age, dressed in a tracksuit. His scary eyes looked around until they met Makoto's gaze.
– Whoa, so I'm not the only one who got sent to another world! I think isekai with someone looks like the beginning of a cool adventure together, huh? – the boy was happily inspecting his new companion.
Makoto didn't say anything to the boy's words, just smiled slightly at his energy.
«It reminds me a little bit... remind me of who?» just now Makoto started to panic a little. «I remember that this reminds me of a friend of mine, but... I can't remember his name.»
When Makoto decided to go through all the memories he had from a whole year of his life, as a member of SEES, he realized that he didn't remember a single name. He remembered that they were his friends and those for whom he had sacrificed his life. But he couldn't remember their names. The clothes, habits, and even food preferences were all in place. It seemed like a whole year's slice of life had been segmented. A slight panic was quickly shot down with a pat on the shoulder.
– Hey, are you all right? If you're scared, then repeat after me and...
– No. I'm fine. It's just... an unpleasant feeling.
– Whoa, you have a voice! I thought you were mute! – the guy said with a big smile.
– I often hear that. – he looked around again. – Still, where are we?
– Gah, you really don't understand? – the boy recoiled from him in shock. – It's isekai! We're in a different world! Well, I don’t know who summoned us, but maybe we are here to perform some kind of miracle! Maybe, for example, defeat the Demon King?!
The guy was chattering incessantly about who had sent them here. As they talked, they walked through several streets until something seemed to get to him.
– Wait, I didn't ask your name! Damn, how forgetful I am! – the boy gasped in frustration.
– Makoto. Makoto Yuki. I don't understand what we're doing here, but I'll be hoping for your support.
The boy grinned and held his finger up high in a funny pose.
– I'm Subaru Natsuki! I have absolutely no idea where we are, but it's nice to meet you!
That made Makoto smirk again. He didn't know the reason, but he could feel a bond beginning to form between them. It seemed like they were connected to each other in some way, but he didn't know how yet.
– Hey, don't just stand there. You're in the way.
A lizardman passed by them and roughly shoved the black-haired boy away. It would have been nothing, but he was right next to the railing and without too much trouble he started to climb over it. Makoto managed to grab his arm at the last moment and pull him back into a straight position.
– Hey, that was rude! – Subaru shouted. – Thank you for saving me. I'll definitely repay you for this!
Makoto just nodded at him and told him to continue on his way. While they were exploring the city, Subaru almost got into accidents again several times, but in the end, the path led them to the marketplace.
Subaru walked over to one of the stalls, trying to read the signs. Makoto followed his example... and couldn't understand anything. It was an unknown letter that he didn't understand yet.
– Hey mister, how much are these apples? – Subaru asked curiously.
– Apples? This is appa! Can't you see what it says? Do you take them anyway?
Subaru took a couple of yen out of his pocket and handed them to the salesman. Glancing at them, he violently swiped his hand away.
– What are you giving me? If you don't have anything to pay with, then get out of here!
– Don't shout like that. That's why no one buys these... appa from you. – Makoto replied calmly. – No one likes to communicate with the seller, who treats even passers-by like that.
He didn't pay much attention to the salesman's shouts of outrage. It reminded him of someone who had taught him the basics of selling and communicating with customers. The again, he couldn't remember his name.
– Damn, this is a total failure! Where is Excalibur? Where is the beautiful girl, who summoned us? – Subaru asked almost desperately.
– Let's not panic. Let's check what we have and what we can work with.
– Hmm, that sounds like a great idea!
They entered a small alley and sat down on the steps to check their belongings.
– A bag of instant noodles, chips, a phone, a couple dozen yen and... my tracksuit. – Subaru groaned in frustration. – Damn, why do I need a phone if there's no network here.
Makoto glimpsed that Subaru only had three phone numbers in his contacts: two of them belonged to his parents and one to the pizza place. It brought back memories of how he also didn't have much contacts at the beginning of the last school year.
– I have my school uniform, phone, headphones with MP3-player, armband, and evoker with me. Also not much either.
– Uh, well, I think everything could... Wait, where did you get the gun?! You're about my age, so...
– It's not real. See? – Makoto pointedly pulled the trigger, but nothing happened.
– But that doesn't explain why you have a model gun!
Makoto was about to reply, but he was interrupted by the footsteps of approaching people.
– Give everything you have, if life is precious!
Three bandits of different heights stood in front of them and definitely did not bode well.
– C-can't we just split up? We don't have anything to...
– We'll have to fight, Subaru. They are definitely not peaceful. – Makoto interrupted him, taking a fighting stance.
– Shit, okay. Then go ahead! Come here, bags of experience!
Without hesitation, Subaru attacked one of them, knocking him out with a swift punch. Makoto had to admit that he could handle it pretty well on his own. But while he was looking for the right moment to attack, a girl with bright blonde hair flew past the group and quickly started climbing the wall.
– Hey, aren't you the girl who summoned us? – Subaru asked, looking up from the fight.
– Summoned? Don't talk nonsense. – the girl said, clearly not paying attention to the fight. – And I must hurry! Live strong or whatever it is...
Just as suddenly she appeared, just as suddenly she disappeared. The alley fell silent for a moment as Subaru interrupted.
– Um, maybe that convinced you a little to leave us? – the boy asked uncertainly.
– Hell no!
The bandit quickly pulled out a knife and slashed at Subaru, but Makoto managed to pull him back in time.
– Shit, are you crazy?! What if you...
– Enough! – a commanding voice filled the entire alley and made everyone turn to around.
Turning around, Makoto and Subaru saw an incredibly beautiful silver-haired girl. They had to admit that she looked stunning, especially with her hair shining brightly on the sun. The girl herself was watching them closely.
– It would be very kind of you to return what you stole! Please, this item is very important to me.
– So you're not here to help these two? – one of the thugs pointed at them.
– Well, if you mean do I know them, then no, I don't.
– Then you were wrong. The one who stole from you ran that way. – the bandit pointed in the direction the thief ran.
– Then I need to hurry after her. – the girl walked past them, but stopped half-way. – But I can't ignore what you were doing.
She stretched out her hand and several large icicles formed around her.
– So you're a mage? Heh, don't think that if you're a magic user, you'll be able to defeat us! There are three of us, and you are alone!
– How about two on three? This pretty much evens the odds. – said an unknown voice.
A flying cat appeared in front of the girl and landed in her arms.
– D-damn it! You're a Spiritual Arts User! – one of the thugs said in a frightened voice. – Let's leave!
– You'd better run. Before it's too late for you. – with a bit of gloom said the cat.
Soon, the bandits left them all alone. Makoto and Subaru didn't have time to breathe a sigh of relief when the girl moved straight towards them.
– You two! Don't move!
The girl was carefully looking for something in them, which didn't stop Subaru from blushing at her proximity and turning away.
– There! I thought you were hiding something! – the girl said, clearly pleased with herself. – The way you're reacting shows that you have something to hide!
– I don't think that's the reason. They don't have any bad thoughts. – the flying cat answered her doubtfully.
While the girl was arguing with the cat, Subaru lightly pushed Makoto.
– Makoto, don't you think it would be nice to help her? – Subaru whispered. – Like... Look at her! She's like an angel who came down here to help us on our adventure!
– Are you sure? I don't mind, but have you seen her clothes? She's clearly belongs to a higher class than us. And we don't know this city, much less how can we help her? – seeing Subaru's pleading look, he sighed. – I don't mind helping her. It's up to you.
A joyful Subaru approached the girl, starting a conversation with her.
– Um, hi! I just wanted to thank you...
– Don't worry. I did it so you could do me a favor for a favor.
– Eh? Sure, no problem. – Subaru was a little taken aback by her words. – So how can I pay you back?
– Maybe you saw someone running by? She stole something veeery important from me.
– Someone was running past... Oh, yeah! There was a girl with golden hair! She ran past and left us, and then you showed up. But I think you've caught on too late: she's already long gone. – Subaru finished awkwardly.
– Ah, I see. – the girl smiled ruefully at him. – Still, thank you for your help. I have to go...
– Is there anything we can do to help? We may not be familiar with the city, but three heads are better, than one. – Makoto suddenly suggested.
– Are you sure? You probably have your own concerns, and helping me...
– Well, unfortunately, we're completely penniless here. We don't even know how we got here. – Makoto said, getting a blank look from Subaru.
– Well, you don't seen to be lying. – confirmed the flying cat. – I don't think it would hurt to use them. They can serve as good meat shields.
– Hey, that sounded too creepy coming out of your mouth! – Subaru said indignantly.
– I think we all forgot to introduce ourselves. – Makoto turned attention to himself. – My name is Makoto Yuki. Nice to meet you.
Subaru, just like in the square, once again stood into a funny pose and raised his finger up proudly said:
– I'm Subaru Natsuki! Not only am I completely broke, but I don't know where I am! Nice to meet you!
– You know, that doesn't sound very good coming out of your mouth. But never mind. I'm Puck! Nice to meet you! – the cat replied cheerfully and flew up to Subaru and Makoto, shaking their hands.
– I didn't think you'd be able to interact with the spirit so easily. – the girl remarked thoughtfully.
– A spirit? So you're...
– Yes, I'm her contract spirit. And also her father. But that's just in case.
– I see. – Makoto replied, not wanting to know the context of the spirit's words. – What's your name?
– Me? I'm... Satella. – the girl replied, carefully watching their reactions.
– Hmm, really very...
– I understand why you don't want to tell me your real name. – Makoto interrupted Subaru. – Do you mind if I ask where you were originally robbed?
The girl was surprised by their reaction. Both of them seemed unaware of the name they had been given, and yet still wanted to help.
– Well, it happened near the market. There's probably still some of the ice I used to stop her with.
– Then we should go and ask the people around us. – Subaru said more seriously. – This probably isn't the first robbery.
With that, the group finally left the alley.
While they were on their way to the scene of the robbery, from their conversation with Satella, they learned about the country they were in and a little bit about the structure of the world.
«So the entire royal family died from an unknown disease? This looks too suspicious. Could it be spies from another country?» Makoto shook his head. «I don't think it's that important right now. I was surprised that the world here is not round and has a border. Maybe I should find a library later and research this matter better.»
– Subaru, don't you think that girl is lost? – a concerned girl asked.
In the crowd, they noticed a girl with green hair standing and crying, clearly looking lost. Makoto didn't understand why they needed to be distracted right now if they had to return this "insignia"immediately.
– Um, aren't we supposed to look for your insignia? I thought you said it was important. – Subaru asked, a little surprised.
– If you don't want to help, then you don't have to. I can handle it myself. – Satella replied angrily, walking over to the crying child.
– But I didn't say, I wasn't going to help...
Subaru hurried after the girl just as she started to lose control with the child. Makoto waited until they were done and then moved on. But he couldn't help but notice the way the people around him were looking at the girl. Some looked in fear, and some with disgust and hatred. He definitely needed to find out the reasons for this, but for now... he just going with the flow with them.
~Some time later~
And it took a long time to reach their destination — the slums.
Thanks to the help to the child, they met again with the rude appa seller, who turned out to be the girl's father. The man kindly told the name of the thief and the place where she could sell the insignia. Makoto didn't expect much from a place called the slums, but this place looked worse than anything he'd ever seen. Every now and then there were people whose bodies were just a skeleton covered in skin.
– Damn, this place is really horrible. – Subaru looked around the houses and people in annoyance. – And maybe it's just me, but there isn't a single knight here. Are they avoiding this place?
– Probably. Apparently, the ruling authorities don’t really concerned about what will happen to the extremely poor people. – Makoto turned to the other direction, unable to look at what was happening. – No wonder that Felt stole something that looked very valuable from you.
– AND yet stealing isn't good! After all, people spend time and effort to earn money and then someone who just steals the reward for their...
– Look at it this way. – Subaru interrupted the girl. – What if you have nothing to eat? You can't find a job, and hunger just keeps coming. And your only option is to steal. Yes, it's morally wrong and ilegal, but it's the only way to survive.
Satella thought for a moment. She didn't seem to have thought about it before, and only now did she wonder.
– S-sure, stealing is still bad... but when you put it like that... – her shoulders slumped slightly. – I'm getting really uncomfortable now. Thank, you for explaining that, Subaru. I think now I know where I still have to study harder.
The boy blushed deeply from the girl's sincere gratitude and awkwardly scratched the back of his head. Soon, Puck appeared in front of them, yawning slightly as he flew up to them.
– Ugh, I think I'm going to retire soon. It's getting a little late.
– Eh? Do you have a work schedule like an office worker? – asked a surprised Subaru.
Further questions were put on hold when Makoto pointed him to Satella, who was surrounded by bright glowing dots.
– She's... Beautiful... – said a mesmerized Subaru.
– What's she doing now, Puck? – Makoto asked, not taking his eyes off the scene.
– She has summoned the lesser spirits to ask them for direction. I'm staying away a bit, as they are afraid of me.
To their surprise, some of the lights flew towards Subaru and Makoto, starting to circle around them. While the spirits around the first one were flying around and studying him, with Makoto, the spirits were more attentive and seemed to be with a kind of quiet delight.
– Oh, I didn't think they'd decide to join you. They seem to like you. – Satella said with a soft smile. – They showed us the way, so I think our paths will soon diverge...
– Well, in this case we will be with you to the end! After all, we have come all this way, and who knows what dangers await us in this loot house! – Subaru turned to Makoto, asking for his support.
– He speaks correctly. Still, I'm wondering how it's going to end. So you can rely on us, Satella-san.
The girl was impressed by their statements, but she still had a slightly sad expression on her face.
– Are you really sure about that? You'll only get problems from me. I am, after all... a half-elf.
She brushed her hair back from one ear, exposing the sharp edge of it. There was no doubt that she did have elven roots.
– Hmm, I see... I can see why you're so beautiful! Usually, all elves are very beautiful! – Subaru replied, giving her a bright smile.
– W-what are you s-saying?! You're a dunderhead, Subaru! Why don't you say anything, Makoto? And s-stop smiling! – the half-elf panicked, trying to calm the atmosphere.
– Hey, who says "dunderhead" now anyway? – Subaru couldn't help but laugh at the half-elf's reaction.
It reminded Makoto of those quiet days when he spent time with his friends, joking and having fun about anything. And even though he didn't remember much of the past, he was sure that he would soon begin to regain what he had lost.
Satella knocked on the door. There was a slight rumble behind it as a voice came from behind it.
– Password?
– Um, I wanted to Return...
– No password, no case.
Satella stared down in frustration.
– Allow me. – Makoto patted her shoulder, drawing her attention to himself. – I can do better.
The girl stepped aside, allowing him to come to the door. Bringing his fist up to the door, Makoto took a few punches with all his strength, causing the door to creak.
– Open it if you don't want me to break down that door!
There were hurried exclamations and outrages outside the door, and when the door opened, a giant appeared in front of them. He was several times taller than Makoto and held a club in his hand, ready to attack him. But the boy didn't feel any fear for him.
– What do you want here? – the giant asked the trio in front of the door.
– I-I'm here, to get back what was stolen from me! And I'm not leaving, until I get back what belongs to me!
The giant glanced at the half-elf and the two boys, and sighed as he let them pass.
– Hey, what the hell, Rom?! You're letting just anyone in now?
The question belonged to a girl the trio recognized easily. Golden hair, red eyes, and ragged clothes with a small blade at her belt. This was their original target, who also quickly realized what was happening.
– What... Old man, are you completely out of your mind?! Why did you let...
– I'm here to get back what's mine. – Satella replied confidently. – I don't...
But she was interrupted when Makoto put his hand out in front of her and pulled her back. And there was a good reason for that. A reason that was the third person in the room.
She was wearing a revealing dress that showed off a lot of piquant spots. Her black hair fell down her back, emphasizing her dangerous beauty. And her face, which had a predatory smile, fully confirmed her entire image.
– Makoto, what are you...
– Puck! – Makoto shouted at the top of his voice, calling for help from the spirit.
The cat formed from the beams of light immediately sent several icicles at the killer, but the table that was hit in time blocked them. The assassin leaped out of the way with all her grace, reaching for a kukri from behind her back.
– I didn't think I was so easy to figure out. How did you know?
– Your whole appearance screams how dangerous you are. It's not the first time I've encountered this.
Makoto immediately took out from the pile of discarded swords that one that looked like his first sword. Swinging it, he took a fighting stance, ready to attack.
– Ara, your eyes... You seem to have seen death before. I'm definitely interested in you. – she raised her kukri, ready for battle. – Elsa Granhiert the Gut Hunter. Let me see your insides and feel their warmth!
She lunged at him with all her speed, and he barely blocked her blow. Normally, he wasn't so weak, which could only mean that he hadn't awakened. His powers weren't working and the only way to activate it wasn't available right now. There wasn't enough concentration.
Meanwhile, Subaru watched the fight in fascination. He couldn't believe that a guy who was his own age was capable of fighting an assassin.
«I don’t know yet what I am capable myself, but I hope that soon my power will be revealed and I'll be able to save the situation!»
– Shit, shit, shit! Why is this happening?! I just... I just wanted to do my job! This lady said she'd pay for this stupid rock, and now... – Felt glared at Subaru with a hint of anger.
– Hey, don't look at me like that! – Subaru threw his hands up. – I 'm not the one who decided that stealing a rock for this dangerous lady was a great idea! It's your fault that you fell for it.
– I know. That bitch promised to pay 20 GOLD for them! Of course I fell for it! – the girl replied in annoyance.
– It's not your fault, Felt. I'm the one who let her in and decided to listen to her offer. It's my fault. – Rom said, trying to calm the thief down.
– But I accepted the offer! I said this is our chance! And what is the result?
– I don't think there's any point in blaming anyone. – Subaru replied calmly. – Wait, I have an idea! Why don’t you Sa... I mean, that girl, the insignia, and I'll give you this. – Subaru took out his phone from pocket. – This! You can probably get a little money for it.
– Eh? Is this metia? Old man, if I'm not mistaken...
– Yes. We'd get as much for this as she offered us. Maybe even more. – Rom said, looking at the phone.
– Of course, I don’t know what metia is, but I am glad that it can help!
Meanwhile, Makoto almost lost his head several times already. Elsa kept trying to either cut off his head or cut open his stomach, which he had a hard time preventing more than once. His strength was already running out.
– Makoto, get out of the way! – Satella and Puck shouted at the same time.
A powerful stream of ice rained down on the assassin, who nevertheless easily returned from the combined attack. The half-elf continued to attack from a long distance, giving Makoto a small pauses between Elsa's attacks.
– I didn't expect my target to be a Spiritual Arts User! It was always interesting to see the insides of a spirit. – Elsa said as she licked her weapon.
– Heh, I'm afraid you'll never be able to do it again. – Puck spread his paws and clapped with all his might. – You think we just threw all that ice around for no reason?
Suddenly, the entire sprawling ice expanded in a bright flash and engulfed the assassin, forming a pillar of ice that broke through the building's ceiling.
– Well, we're done with her. – the spirit looked down at his paws, which had become semi-transparent. – And with me for today, too. Subaru. Makoto. Take care of my daughter.
With that, the spirit dissolved, going back to the green stone on the girl's chest. Satella ran over to Makoto, checking his wounds. Despite Elsa's speed and strength, he managed to hold off the assassin quite well, even though he received many cuts all over his body.
– H-hey. Thank you for saving us. – the, girl walked over to the half-elf, holding out a glowing gem. – You kind of saved me and old man Rom. So, don't think too much of it!
The half-elf smiled softly at her.
– It's all right. The main thing is that you...
An unexpected crack of ice reached everyone's ears, and before anyone could say anything, the ice shattered into pieces. A familiar figure emerged from the remnants of the ice.
– Oh, I thought I was really finished! Thanks to the employer for such a beautiful cloak. – Elsa took off the remnants of her cloak with a grin.
The group split up again to fight back. Makoto and Rom stood at the front, with Emilia covering from behind.
– How nice of you to decide to make a formation to compensate for the loss of your spirit~~.
– Shut up, bitch. I'll break your bones and feed them to the rats! – Rom growled, slamming his club down on Elsa.
Despite having a good swing, Elsa easily dodged Rom's punches and became much faster at dodging Makoto's blows and Satella's ice shells.
– She's... She's moving faster! – Subaru said in shock. – Rom! Be careful! She's...
But the black-haired boy's words didn't reach the giant. Swinging his club, he missed again, and Elsa took advantage of the moment to hit him right on the arm, cutting off the giant's arm clean. Rom staggered back from the pain, but Elsa wasn't going to stop, so she had no problem climbing up his arm and plunging her kukri right into his eyes. The giant screamed in pain, causing Felt to struggle out of Subaru's grasp. Elsa, on the other hand, apparently got tired of the giant's screaming, so she cut his throat, causing Rom's body to fall to the floor dead.
Subaru practically froze by this sight. It took him a moment to realize that the girl had escaped from his arms and was heading straight to the killer. His mind raced from side to side. The perfect dream of isekai seemed to be falling apart right before his eyes.
«She... She's going to kill us... We won't survive...» these thoughts swirled in his head as he watched everything.
Meanwhile, the thief dashed straight at the assassin, clashing blades with her. Makoto was about to approach and attack Elsa while she was busy, but wind gust of wind knocked him off his feet.
– She's mine! You'll pay for what you did! – the girl shouted furiously.
– I'm sorry, but it's nothing personal~~. I was just doing my...
– Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! I was just trying to get me and Rom out of this hole! And you... You ju...
With the next blow, Elsa sliced the girl's arm lengthwise. Despite the pain, she tried to attack again, only for Elsa to plunge more kukri under her ribs. After shuddering a few times, her body went limp and Elsa pulled the knives out of her body without any problems. The body fell to the floor with a clatter, leaving the survivors in shock.
Subaru looked in horror at the thief's eyes... No, Felt. And he didn't see life in them. Everything she had fought for and lived for was gone with her life. That realization hit even harder when Subaru realized who was next on the killer's list.
Elsa was already aiming for Satella. The girl continued to shoot ice at the killer, but much weaker than before, because fatigue began to take its toll on her. Without thinking, Subaru ran towards the girl, picking up the fallen sword. His legs were shaking, his body didn't want to, and his mind was screaming at him to run, but Subaru Natsuki kept running. He didn't regret that he decided to protect the girl he saw for the first time in his life. After all, he was sure that not every person would decide to help someone, being in a crisis himself. And so, he wanted to do the very least that he was capable of.
Standing in front of Satella, he blocked a few punches, barely keeping up with the assassin. And that was the end of his luck: one blow knocked him off his feet, and the next blow to the stomach sent him flying to the counter. With a crash, Subaru lost consciousness.
– Subaru! – the half-elf screamed in all desperation.
Makoto managed to fend off another of Elsa's attacks at the last moment, but his sword finally shattered, leaving him completely unarmed. Elsa took advantage of this, sticking a kukri in the stomach and gutting him with particular cruelty.
– Stay here for now, dear~~. There is a task that needs to be completed~~.
Tossing his body aside, she headed straight for the half-elf, who had prepared the last of her strength for battle. Creating several ice daggers, the girl prepared for battle.
– How cute~~. You decided to finally join the fight when everyone else is dead? – Elsa mockingly pointed out.
The half-elf didn't reply anything. Without further words, she threw herself into the final fight.
Subaru didn't know how long he had been out, but when he came to, he realized that it was already over. It was too quiet and too dark. He tried to get up, but a sharp pain in his stomach and a lump in his legs prevented him from getting up. Subaru probed his stomach and found a huge cut on it, which continued to bleed.
«Damn, this... this is bad. She ripped me open like an animal.» his foggy head finally remembered. «Makoto! He was the last one on his feet! Please let them succeed...»
His hopes were not realized. Lifting his head slightly from behind the ruined counter, along with the body of Rom and Felt, he finally saw... him. Makoto was lying in the distance and ... Subaru took his eyes off a little. He didn't want to watch his first friend in this world die in such a horrible way. He cursed himself for talking him to come with him.
His gaze went to the other person he couldn't find. He didn't seen Satella and that gave him a little hope that she had escaped and was able to save herself. But that hope was quickly dashed when he noticed something lying in a pool of blood, right under the moonlight. It was a hand that was wearing a white and purple sleeve and was covered in blood. And then he saw a trailing bloodstain coming straight for him. In the darkness, Subaru could see a body reaching for him. She slowly reaching for him, leaving a trail of blood behind her with every movement. The once, beautiful white and purple clothes was disfigured with bloodstains spreading all over it, and in place where left arm should have been, there was a stump caked in a small piece of ice.
She was finally able to reach for his hand and look into his eyes. Subaru saw her tired eyes radiating sorrow and grief. She coughed up the blood starting to speak to him.
– So... rry... Sorry... – she began to cry quietly, looking right at him. – Because of me... Both of you... now...
– You don't have to... I did what... – Subaru coughed up blood himself – ... I considered it necessary...
Subaru wanted to hope to the last that Satella had a chance, but her injuries and appearance confirmed his worst fears.
– If only I could call... Puck... but... he doesn't answer... – the half-elf's tears mixed with the blood under her cheek. – Why?.. why isn't he around?.. I don't want to... be alone... Puck... you promised...
– I'm here for you. – Subaru told her firmly. – Even if it hurts... I will be there... I can't... leave... such a beautiful girl alone...
Through the pain, the half-elf smiled at him.
– Even now... you can joke around...
– I'm not joking. I would never lie to a beautiful girl... about her looks. Even before death.
Subaru's earnestness made her stop crying and look at him gratefully one last time.
– Thank you...
With that, the half-elf "Satella" lowered her head. Her amethyst eyes became blank, her face calmer. Dead calmer.
With the last of his strength, the black-haired boy began to cry. He grabbed her remaining hand, because he himself didn't want to die alone. Without noticing it, he closed his eyes and his consciousness slowly began to slip away from him.
Makoto Yuki, half-elf, and Subaru Natsuki all died that night.
...
Or not?