Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Walking along the street was a young girl with shoulder-length white hair, a face most people would probably call above average (no delusions here), and eyes that seemed to shift from a soft silver to a light pink

Who’s that dazzling girl, you ask? Me. It’s me. That beauty is yours truly. (when you're so lonely and delusional that you gotta do this)

Currently, I am on a short vacation funded entirely by me, me, and, surprise, me. Tokyo seemed like the perfect pick: somewhere I’d never been, close enough to be affordable for a broke artist, and far enough to feel like a break. Mostly, though, it was an excuse to get my foster parents to stop bugging me. And so far? It was going decently.

Buuuut, as with all things in my life, there was a problem.

"Goddamn it. My battery died," I groaned, glaring at my phone as it flickered and shut itself down like it was personally offended by my existence. "Ugh," I moaned a little louder than necessary, earning a few stares from passersby. "At least I brought my solar bank. I'd have passed out if I left it in the hotel."

Fishing it out of my bag, I plugged my phone into the charger. "Seriously, I need a new phone. This thing’s battery life is more tragic than my love life… Though, to be fair, still better than Apple’s. Those things die if you even look at 'em wrong." I shoved both the phone and the charger into my pocket.

Now I needed a distraction while it charged.

Scanning my surroundings, my eyes landed on a convenience store at the corner. Perfect. "Should have something to eat," I muttered, scratching an itch on my stomach through my shirt.

Ding-dong.

The little bell above the door chimed as I stepped inside. A middle-aged cashier woman greeted me with the kind of polite, practised smile that all service workers are forced to master, or else they go homeless. I gave her a lazy nod and made a beeline for the fridges at the back.

I grabbed a rice ball… then put it back. "Not the good brand," I murmured.
A tuna sandwich? "Not in the mood." Back it goes

After a minute of indecisive browsing, I spotted a pre-made chicken wrap meal on sale. Now that I wouldn’t say no to.

With that in hand, I detoured to the chips aisle, debating my relationship with junk food. "Hmm… am I fat?... Weeeell, whatever. cheat week." Stomach: 1, willpower: -1.

I grabbed a slightly stale-looking bag.

Last stop, the drink section. And there it was. A bottle of Coke. Nectar of the gods. I snatched it up immediately. "I’m hella craving this now."

My little shopping spree complete, I headed to the counter, dumping everything onto the counter. The cashier rang it up, still wearing that borderline robotic smile. "670 yen, please."

I dug through my wallet, trying to scrape together the exact change, a futile mission. With an annoyed huff, I surrendered and handed over a 1,000 yen note. "Here."

"330 change. Thank you, and please come again," she chirped, the customer service smile still trapped on her face.

Snagging my bag of goodies, I headed back outside. The door chimed behind me as I stepped onto the sidewalk.

I immediately unscrewed the Coke’s cap, enjoying the satisfying fizz-pop. I took a swig and let out an exaggerated moan. "Aah~. Hell yeah."

Time to find somewhere to eat. I scanned the street, eyes landing on a lonely little bench across the road. Perfect.

I glanced left, then right. Coast clear. Except… the sun hit me directly in the eyes when I turned left. Squinting, I raised a hand to shield them, rubbing at them for good measure.

When I opened my eyes again, everything had changed.

The quiet evening street had been replaced by a bustling market square, swarming with people. The air was filled with the chatter of merchants, clinking coins, and the clatter of wagon wheels.

Wait… what?

I spun in a slow circle. My gaze landed on a weird-looking, raptor-like creature pulling a cart past me. My brain stuttered. No. No no no.
"A… ground dragon?" I mumbled, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

Panic prickled up my spine.

I scanned the crowd. Animal-eared people. Beastfolk. Demi-humans.

Fuuuuuuuck.

I made a beeline for a nearby fruit stand, nearly crashing into the seller. A middle-aged man, who looked like he belonged in an RPG, raised an eyebrow at me. "Hey there, missy. Lookin' to buy some fresh potatoes?"

(Fuck tatoes.)

"Where am I?" I blurted, breath catching. "What country is this?"

He squinted at me like I’d just asked what year it was. "Did ya hit your head or somethin’? This is Lugunica, the capital city. Now," He pointed at an apple. "You want one or not?"

I stared at him. Brain empty. Reality crumbling.

I turned away and started fast-walking. A full-on panic alarm was blaring in my head.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Out of all the places I could have ended up, it just had to be Re:Zero. Of fucking course.

I shoved past the crowd, trying to think, trying to breathe.

Please let this be a dream. Please let me wake up.

Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. 

Arc 1 begin: the unexpected first day

Chapter Text

As I kept walking through the bustling market, a sudden commotion caught my attention. A little boy had fallen into the street, and the moment his terrified scream rang out, heads turned. A carriage was barreling toward him, with no sign of slowing down.

For a second, no one moved. Then a knight bolted forward, scooping the kid up and rolling to safety just as the carriage thundered past.

I lingered for a moment, watching it unfold. "Hmm… yeah, I’ve seen this before…" I muttered, brow furrowing as I tried to remember the details. "It went exactly like in the anime."

Damn it, I really should’ve actually read the WN instead of relying on TikTok.

Originally, I planned to sit down and read the web novel properly, but I kept putting it off. One delay after another, and eventually, I figured watching TikToks covering the story past Arc 6 was a brilliant idea. Now… I feel like a complete idiot. But really, come on, arc 7 and from what i heard arc 8 was so goddamn tedius. 

I shook my head. No use complaining about it now. First priority - find Mr Save Point guy. Once I did, I could throw myself somewhere quiet and figure out a plan.

After what felt like ages of weaving through endless streets and stalls, I finally spotted his buff form behind a stall.

Good.

I made my way over. "Hey, girly," the vendor called out, noticing me as I paused in front of his stand. I tried to read the little wooden sign, but it was pointless. The letters looked kind of like a messy mashup of Japanese and… something else. Not readable. Great.
Same as Subaru. No reading comprehension in fantasy land. Sure as hell won't be an inconvenience.

I met the guy’s gaze, and his eyes flicked down to my clothes. "Those are some unique clothes you’ve got. You a travelling merchant?" he asked, eyeing my tracksuit, or well, my makeshift hoodie-jacket hybrid.  I was cold, alright? Plus, I needed the pockets.

I shook my head, trying to be more casual than usually am. "Nope, just travelling. No merchant tag attached." 

My eyes drifted past him and locked onto a narrow alley nearby.

There.

I gave him a small wave, signalling the end of our conversation, and slipped into the alleyway. I plopped myself down on a rough stone step, setting my bag close by where no one could snatch it.

Leaning forward, I rested my head in one hand, elbow propped on my knee, and let out a sigh.

Alright. Time to think.

As much as I hated it, I needed a plan. Out of all my options, the priority was surviving. Preferably living comfortably. Getting back to Earth? Highly unlikely. The best bet was leveraging stuff from my world to gain money here. It shouldn’t be too hard, my phone still worked, and I’d brought my portable charger, thank god. Between the apps and all the random crap I downloaded from Wikipedia, there had to be something I could replicate or reinvent for profit.

But before any big plans… I needed starting funds.
Which I didn’t have.
And I couldn’t just run to one of the royal candidates either — no connections, no status, and I wasn't about to trust Roswaal’s shady ass.

Then it hit me.

Puck.

Right. If I’d replaced Subaru, that meant Emilia was probably about to meet Elsa… which would mean a diced half-elf, an apocalypse-level temper tantrum from a giant ice spirit, and a whole lot of death, and probably half the country being fucked over.

Which means I need to stop Elsa.

And even if I did, the danger wouldn’t stop there. Emilia was still fated to get gutted after the royal selection, unless someone competent intervened, because of course the clown fucker won't. That meant if I wanted to avoid a second apocalypse, I’d have to stick close. Maybe even tag along to the mansion.

Fan-fucking-tastic.

I groaned, running a hand through my hair. Just thinking about all this gave me a headache. If I could somehow tag along with Reinhard and Felt when they left, I might be able to get a safer start. Plus, if I follow Subaru's path, I might be able to befriend the guy, turning this game into easy mode. But of course, life loves fucking people over. it can't be that fucking simple.

I stood, grabbing my bag and cracking my neck. "Well, time to go find Dumb, Dumber, and Dumbest, and let them mug me," I muttered, stretching a little before heading off.

Here’s hoping I had Return by Death, too. I mean, considering all the signs, I should? But even if I did. It wouldn't stop me from getting brutally messed up anyway.

It was Re: Zero, after all. Suffering is it's fucking middle name.

Chapter Text

Traversing street after street, alleyway after alleyway, I finally found the familiar alleyway "Here it is" I muttered, stepping into the dim alley. My eyes darted around quickly, scanning for any signs of the dumb trio. The plastic bag in my hand swayed gently with each step as I moved closer to the steps.

"If my memory serves me right, they should already be here. But… I don't see the-" I muttered, recalling the interaction of Subaru's 4th loop. but I was cut short as

"What are you babbling about?"

The sudden voice from behind cut my thoughts short, making me whip around instinctively. a group of figures emerged from the shadows. A dwarf with a crooked grin, a slim and lanky guy with shifty eyes, and a burly man who looked like he bench-pressed cows for fun... no wait that makes them sound threatening. a midget, a slender man copycat, and a slightly big guy with very large lips.

Never mind, there they are, I thought dryly, my gaze locking onto the lanky one as he stalked towards me.

his hand reached up and grabbed my collar yanking me forward "If you don't wanna get hurt, cough up everything you've got!" he threatened but... despite his threat, my face was completely blank.

I mean look at him, he looks like the slightest wind could blow him away. but anyway. that's besides the point. i should be able to distract them then call for Rignheart and make a relationship with him. That will be quite helpful for Elsa.

"Ok, Ok" I put my hands out in surrender "I'll give you my stuff, please don't hurt me." I pleaded, making sure my voice was as girly as I could make it, even if part of my dignity left me. all the more reason to not hold back on beating them. 

The lanky guy's smirk widened at my apparent compliance, his grip on my collar loosening slightly. "Smart girl," he said, watching closely as I slowly lowered my hands, the bag still clutched tightly in my grip.

the lanky one is definitely the more dangerous one. since he has those blades. I thought as I was opening the bag. I'll give him the chips and as he is distracted I'll kick his dick

but As I reached into the bag, my fingers brushing against the chips, a voice suddenly cut through the tension, it was feminine, sharp, and commanding. albeit high-pitched.

wait, that's not supposed to happen? i thought as a petit, short-haired blonde girl with red eyes came dashing forward shouting "Out of the way" 

wait, felt? hold on, she was supposed to be... oh crap, this is the scene from loop 1. Does that mean I was too late for Reinhard? shit. that makes things difficult.

my plan crumpled into pieces at the information of most likely not making contact with Reinhart, meaning I couldn't have him come with me to the loot house. ideas quickly formed in my head, many ideas and routes I could take, one idea, discarded one modified, and after just a split second of thinking. my plan had changed.

hmm, ok, I think helping Emilia straight up will be the route, so, these guys are no longer needed. thankfully felt gave me a great distraction.

"Thanks for the assist, Blondie," I said with a smirk, i enjoyed the look of confusion on everyone's (mostly felts) faces as my words hit their ears.

"Huh? Wha—" Felt started, slowing down, but she was abruptly cut off a blood-curdling scream tore through the air. 

The lanky man dropped to his knees, his hands clutching at his pickle as tears streamed down his face. He let out a pitiful groan, barely able to form words through the pain. emotional and physical might I add.

"Not like you were going to use them anyway," I sarcastically quipped and without giving him a chance to recover, I brought both hands down in a hard double slam on his head, just to make sure he wouldn't bother me anytime soon. the impact sending him face-first into the ground, unmoving and probably unresponsive. 

Felt, who had been watching the commotion, snorted. "Oh, well, you're welcome, but I'm in a rush. live-strong! Good luck!" she called out, flashing me a cheeky thumbs-up, and then without missing a beat, she launched herself past us, bouncing off a wall, then another, before disappearing onto a rooftop and sprinting away.

My gaze lingered on her retreating form before snapping back to Lanky. "Sorry, but I'm gonna need to borrow these," I muttered, crouching down and rummaging through his unconscious body.

"You bitch!" the dwarf's shout cut through the alley as he drew a dagger, his face filled with rage. The burly guy also roared something, but I tuned his dumb beefcake shouts, out, focusing on my important and life-dependent search.

"there it is" I muttered softly as my hand found the short blades strapped to Lanky's back. I pulled them free from their scabbards, standing to my full height, swingingly them through the air to get a feel.

When I turned to face them, the dwarf and the burly guy were glaring daggers - literally, in Shorty's case. But the staring contest didn't last long. the dwarf rushed forward, his dagger slicing through the air in a short and untrained arc.

I sidestepped his attack with ease, redirecting his blade away from my body as I took a step back. what I need to do is stall. i thought as the burly man charged in, wielding a massive machete. His swing came down in a powerful arc, but i quickly diagonal-stepped the attack backward while also slamming both blades into it, directing it away from my knife-disliking body. like any normal body.

thank god, dodgeball was a thing. but, sadly dodging is all I can do at the moment. I mused as the machete came down with an arc that I hit to the side.

Strike after strike, counter after counter, I found myself steadily being pushed back. Each step brought me closer to the wall, and before I knew it, there was barely a meter left between me and the hard stone wall.

shit, might spill blood if she's late. I need to make a move, hopefully, the surprise of changing stats should give me an opening. The larger guy was visibly frustrated now, his frown deepening with each missed swing. "Stop dodging!" he bellowed, bringing his machete down in another heavy, reckless arc.

thankfully he hasn't thought to predict my movements I thought as I sidestepped at the last moment.

His blade slammed into the wall behind me with a resounding clang, the sudden impact disoriented him making him falter.

Seizing the opportunity, I slashed at his hand, aiming to disarm him. The blade cut through the air and connected. but due to my inexperience in slicing people (because no one in the modern age would), I was off by just a bit and grazed his wrist.

Still, it was enough. He let out a grunt of pain and instinctively recoiled, clutching his injured hand. now that I had space, I should be able to get rid of the midget.

Noticing my attention briefly flicker to the larger man, the dwarf saw his chance. His tiny blade darted forward, aiming for my side. but sadly for him, my eyes never left his figure as any shooter has taught me, the second you move from an angle (cough cough siege), shit hits the fan. So his strike from behind was a blessing in disguise.

As his blade lunged toward me, I quickly whipped around, using the momentum from my turn to intercept his attack. My blade slammed into his short one with a loud clang, the force of the strike completely knocking the dagger out of his hands. not that there was a need for much force but, it's better for it to fly 20 feet than 5. less chance for him to use it on me.

the weapon clattered to the ground, and the dwarf's eyes widened in shock. "What the—?!" he stammered, stumbling back slightly. 

i watched as the midget fell but I heard a grunt from behind, the slight tell of a blade flying through the air caught my ear as I whipped around and put my blades in a cross to block the heavy strike, my stance was slightly off so I fell backward and onto the floor, the man grinned "I'm going to kill you for that." he said, wrath seeping into his voice as his large machete pushed against my blades. Oh shit, not good I thought as the blade struggle began.

me on the floor, and him pushing down, slowly gaining on me as he had the added bonus of fa-weight/gravity giving him even more help that he very much did not need. oh fuckity fuckity fuck fuck. I swore as I felt him gain on me, please for the love of god. I started to panic as the seconds ticked by, my arms slowly losing strength, and just before I completely lost the battle. 

"Stop villains!" oh thank god, Emilia was finally here. I thought as I turned my head to the direction of the voice and saw the beautiful elf. "please help, I'm going to lose strength in a few minutes, I really need help." I pleaded, slight desperation in my voice as one on the verge of being chopped up would. but... 

She hesitated, most likely thinking about her insignia, but she weighed her options, and after a moment's pause, she shook her head, clearing away any doubts.

With a graceful motion, she extended her arm, a soft blue hue forming at her palm. The air around her seemed to chill as crystals materialized in front of her, and just a moment after being formed they launched forward, slamming into the man on top of me. Each crystal struck his side with a heavy impact that sent him ricocheting off the wall twice before falling limp onto the ground, unconscious. (not dead)

then, before anyone could react, another ice shard flew through the air, striking the dwarf right in the chest. He let out a grunt of surprise before slamming into the wall, knocked the fuck out. holy shit, she just took them out no problem. damn.

I let my arms drop and pushed myself up, blades still in hand. "Phew," I exhaled, brushing the dirt off my clothes. Turning to Emilia, I opened my mouth to thank her. "Thanks fo-"

"Can you please return what you've stolen?"

HUH? wait, what? That doesn't make sense I thought confused, because well. I was getting my ass beat, how in the hell could I have stolen it.

"huh? What do you mean? wait, I think you've got this all wrong. I didn't take anything from you." felt and I don't even look the same, she's a tiny ass girl. i thought confused at how on earth she thought I stole the insignia. 

"Your lies won't trick me! I know what I saw and I-" (not much really)

"She is telling the truth, Lia." a calm voice interjected cutting her off

Suddenly, a grey cat with emerald green eyes popped into existence beside Emilia. "It seems as though she wasn't in fact connected with the robbery we suffered. How unlucky."

"Eh? EH?" Emilia's face turned bright red as the realization hit her. "B-but… you… the girl… and those men…" She stammered, flustered beyond belief, before bringing her hands to her face and crouching slightly as if trying to make herself smaller. "Oh no, I'm such a dunderhead!"

holy shit that was cute, but also very anime-like. does that mean the stuff that doesn't make sense will happen now? hmm, that does raise quite a few questions such a-

"Lia, we can't dawdle about it, we have to catch the thief before it is too late." the cat chastised, reminding her about the limited time she had.

"I know, Puck, but…" Emilia turned to me, her face still flushed, her expression now filled with remorse. "I'm so sorry for accusing you like that."

I waved my hand dismissively, giving her a reassuring smile. "No, no, it's fine. no need to apologize. It sounds like you've had a shi-crappy day. You said something was stolen. What was it? Maybe I can help you find it." 

Her eyes widened slightly in surprise, but then she nodded, gratitude now replacing her previous shame and embarrassment. "Oh, really? Thank you so much!" She hesitated for a moment before holding her hands out to illustrate the object's size.

"It's an emblem about this big," she explained, panic slightly edging her voice. "it's in the shape of a shield and it has a red jewel in the center... i think that's all. Have you seen it?" 

i put a finger to my chin and made a thinking expression, while visualising the insignia in felts hand, remembering clearly the scene from episode 1. Now, i can't just refute that i haven't seen it or else puck will instantly find out, so i must twist the truth. but puck really is going to be a headache to work around.

i opened my eyes again staring directly at Emila's worried face. "hmm, yes, I saw it on a little girl with blond hair." i responded

Emilia's eyes lit up with joy as she stepped closer and grabbed my shoulders. "Really!?" she exclaimed, shaking me excitedly. Her grip was absurdly strong, like a mechanical vice. ow ow, that fucking hurts, is she a robot. how is her grip so strong? I mentally complained, my face twisting into a grimace.

"You're going to break her shoulders at this rate" Puck commented, floating to the side of us, with slight amusement slipping through. Emilia stopped, as she gazed upon my pain-stricken face and immediately let go, starting to move her arms frantically in various directions.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! It's just that...!" Emilia's face goes right back to a crimson hue, her ears now also slowly turning red from embarrassment. yep, cute. but still, way too much movement. hmm, wonder if those cliches might happen to me.

I muttered under my breath, "Oh, well, now I feel bad." Raising my hands to calm her down, I forced a small smile. "Um, it's fine. No problem. It's just a shoulder, heh." I chuckled awkwardly.

"Where did you see it?" Puck asked, floating closer with a neutral expression.

I pointed toward the alleyway and the rooftops beyond. "I saw her run past us earlier. She jumped off the walls- " I gestured to a few spots- "and then onto the roof. It was quite a while ago, though. so she's probably a long way's away."

 Emilia's hopeful expression dimmed as she lowered her head. "oh..."

"Well, like I was going to say before, thank you so much for saving me from them, i would have been toast if not for you. In fact, let me thank you for saving me. I'd say I'm a pretty good detective so i can help you out. finding your, insignia thingy. that is." 

Emilia looked at me, seemingly considering it. She hesitated for several seconds indecision written plainly on her face.

she opened her mouth to speak, probably to refuse, but Puck spoke first. "Three heads are better than one," he said, floating closer to me and perching lightly on my shoulder. "I don't sense any ill intentions from her. And if something does go wrong, you can always use her as a shield." He smiled innocently. "I'm sure she wouldn't bite the hand that saved her life."

Did... did Puck just tell her to use me as a meat shield? you piece of shi- no, be calm. it's fine, he is on my side, even if his words hurt.

After a moment, Emilia sighed, seemingly resigned to Puck's reasoning. "I guess you're right. She does seem a bit shrewd, so she might be able to help. So, let me thank you." really? i look shrewd? really? me? huh, neat.

Emilia extended her hand towards me, her violet eyes meeting mine... though I'm not sure what she's thinking, but it must be something to do with my reaction or lack of reaction to her looks. that of the witch of envy. but, it seems my persuasion worked.

"Well, I feel the same. thank you as well. for saving me that is." I shook her hand delicately. it was nice... weird... why do I feel attraction? is this a crush? but... hmm, I'll put that on the back burner. but these feelings are weird.

after retracting my hand, I quickly bent down to pick up the short blades I'd taken earlier. then I walked over to the lanky guy's prone form and grabbed the sheaths off his back, placing them on my sides.

"What are you doing?" Emilia asked, tilting her head slightly in confusion.

"Just realized I should probably have something to defend myself, you know, just in case," I replied, tightening the straps.

She gave me a curious look, probably thinking I was a bit strange, but didn't press further. Instead, she turned around, gesturing for me to follow. to which I quickly followed suit.

First part of the plan is going great, hopefully, the next ones go well too... I really hope I don't get fucked over. oh well, let's get going. if I don't have return by death, this will be a very dumb idea. but, it's worth the risk...

Chapter Text

for now, I have to lead her to the idea of the slums. I thought, glancing at Emilia as we walked side by side through the bustling streets. her eyes were occasionally glancing around, before snapping forward, in search of the girl that stole her insignia.

The first few minutes of our search were relatively quiet. I could feel the weight of the situation settling over Emilia. I decided to ease into the conversation while throwing in some humor and witty banter, hoping to subtly guide her toward the idea of checking the slums without outright saying it. cause if I did... well... puck is... not that reasonable when it comes to Emilia, or I guess "Sattela". cause like with Subaru, she tried to push me away and I played dumb.

We approached a small group of people standing near a fruit cart, chatting idly. "Excuse me," I said, stepping forward with a polite smile. "Sorry to bother you, but we're looking for someone. I had something stolen by a thief, and we're trying to figure out if anyone's seen them."

One of the men, a middle-aged vendor with an annoyed expression, raised an eyebrow but didn't immediately dismiss me. Encouraged, I continued.

"She's a little girl, maybe about 14? Blond hair, red scarf, about this tall?" I added, holding my hand at what I guessed was Felt's height.

The group exchanged uncertain glances. One woman shook her head apologetically. "Haven't seen anyone like tha-" she paused, her face flashing slightly in fear, her eyes I can only assume have locked with Emilia's. "witch..." she muttered.

Immediately, people began backing away, while others stood in place, astonished. a few people nearby turned around, also noticing Emilia and growing weary. but not enacting on their fears.

Her face was a mixture of sadness and resignation like this reaction was something she'd come to expect. Her shoulders sagging slightly, but she didn't say a word.

My eyes flicked back to the crowd. "Who are you calling a wit-" I tried to ask even though I knew the answer because it'd be better if she didn't know, but before I could speak, I heard a small noise... Emilia? and my arm was quickly pulled from the crowd, "What the-" weeeeee JESUS, that strength i thought as i was pulled (dragged) by a slightly frantic Emilia, trying to get me away from the growing crowd. not wanting me to have my reputation hitting rock bottom from just affiliation.

and after what felt like an eternity, she slowed down, by a canal, near the main street, beside some benches. her hand still grasping my wrist, she whipped around, pausing as she stared at me, her gaze flicked to where her hand held mine, and she quickly released it as though it burned.

"I'm sorry," she said, her voice softer than usual. "I didn't mean to pull you like that, but I thought it was best to get away before things got difficult hehe." she nervously chuckled.

I rubbed my wrist and gave it a little shake. "it's fine, but I want to ask." I paused, thinking through the question, if I do this well, I can make my relationship grow. or I could do the exact opposite...

"Why did they react like that? The weary glances, some of them even called you rude stuff. but stranger than that was, how you acted like it was completely normal, fine even. why?"

Emilia's expression flickered, a mixture of emotions crossing her face, conflict, sadness, and perhaps a touch of resignation. She opened her mouth, her head down slightly "Because… it is normal," she admitted. "After all, I'm…"

She reached up, brushing aside the hair covering her ears, revealing them to be, pointer than normal." a half-elf" she finished, tinged with longing sadness.

i waited for a second, before sighing. "That's it? Just because of your race? nothing else? because from my standpoint, being a half-elf just makes you look more attractive, not dangerous. I mean, honestly, when I first saw you, my impression was that of a beauty, not a danger, but more importantly, one that would help in my time of need, which was not getting stabbed. not a danger, but a savior. a beautiful one at that." 

"???" Her head snapped toward me, perplexed as to how I complimented her on what up until then was her greatest curse, her appearance. "wai-what? bu-i said i-I was a half-elf!" she stammered, her voice rising in disbelief. her face, slowly heating up.

"yep, heard ya the first time. and just like before, I think you're beautiful. Your race doesn't change that one bit, and it's certainly no reason to hate you. actually, I think it's more of a reason to like you. cause you're unique."

Her face flushed a deep red, spreading to the tips of her ears. She turned away quickly, crouching slightly as she brought her hands up to cover her face. but, it wasn't hiding anything as she was clearly blushing Heh, I guess I rolled a nat 20. cause that was kinda cheesy ngl. i thought, but stopped as

"N~Nya!" Suddenly, a squishy little tiny winy paw bopped me on the cheek, as Puck floated beside me, his tiny fist causing absolutely no pain as it bounced off my face. hehe, I am the master of RP. fear me

"Oh no~! Whatever shall I doo~, a mighty punch! might I require the reason? all mighty spirit." I said in a mock formal tone, deciding to have a little fun with things. also, it was pretty nice.

"Sorry, but seeing Emilia like this gave me an irresistible urge to do something", Puck said, grinning mischievously. "Oh, but I'm feeling it again~!"

I gave a small smile before giving a great horror as I gasped "Noooooo, don't pulverize me" 

"No, can doo N~Nya!" the fist connected my cheek, with incredible speeds, so fast that it was slow, so strong that it was the weakest

"NoOoOo~" I 'cried,' stumbling back a few steps before dramatically pretending to fall—though I remained perfectly upright.

"Stop playing around!" Emilia's voice cut through the banter, her earlier embarrassment replaced by an exasperated tone. "We need to focus on finding the insignia!"

teasing is so much fun, especially if they have no resistance I thought spinning around, with a mischievous grin, "Oh? so suddenly weeeeee are the ones that forgot, hmm? that's not kind Sa~te~la" I wagged my finger, a mocking grin playing at my lips. i was having too much fun with this.

"Oh, how the tables have turned." puck continued, also playing along with my act of, teasing Emlia. ganging up on her.

"Ungh~!" Emilia pouted, crossing her arms in annoyance, her cheeks still faintly pink. from the earlier compliment speech of mine.

"Sorry if I'm intruding, but I couldn't help overhearing your conversation about a stolen insignia," a voice interrupted from behind us.

*DEEP BREATH*

Radiant red hair that burned like fire in the sunlight, brilliant ocean-blue eyes that seemed to pierce through the soul, an elegant white uniform accented by purple stripes and a black undershirt, and as the pièce de résistance—a magnificent greatsword with a golden guard sheathed at his hip. he was the PERFECT man (no Cell is, buuuut)(can you tell I like Reinhard? no, well I doooo.)

REINHARD??? I thought in surprise, and funnily enough "Reinhard?!" also exclaimed Emilia in a panicked voice. but unlike me, it was out loud.

Wow, didn't expect to see him... let's play dumb, that should work well enough. I can maybe make a connection from this "Huh? you know this guy?" 

"Uh, y-yeah. Something like that," she stammered, exchanging a nervous glance with Puck. I caught the bead of sweat rolling down her temple. oh, damn, I can't have him help. i thought, as I saw Emilia's subtle cue.

"ok, well if Emilia knows you, then it's fine. so what made eavesdrop on us, Reinhard was it?" 

The red-haired knight straightened, his expression instantly shifting to one of polite formality. "Ah, yes, my apologies for intruding," he said, clearing his throat. "Allow me to properly introduce myself. My name is Reinhard van Astrea, Sword Saint of the Dragon's Kingdom of Lugunica, and a proud member of the Astrea lineage. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, miss." He gave a small, precise bow, radiating dignity. ... wow, just a little sad really. i thought, as his circumstance is kinda shitty ngl.

"Oh, it's fine, no need to worry. my name is Shiro... just Shiro... n-no last name" fuck I fumbled the end, as past memories came to mind but I quickly dismissed them off into the back crevices of my mind as I shook his hand "It's a pleasure to meet you too Reinhard."

"The pleasure is mine, Shiro," Reinhard replied warmly. His piercing blue eyes lingered on me for a fraction longer than normal. His brow furrowed slightly, but the look disappeared as quickly as it had come She's Lady Emilia's companion, Reinhard thought, schooling his expression back to a kind smile. That's enough to consider her trustworthy, even if she's hiding something.

*cough, cough* Regardless, back to the topic at hand. Em-" 

"Regardless, back to the topic at hand—Emi—"

"AH!" Emilia yelped, quickly shushing Reinhard as she frantically waved her hands in the air. "Reinhard, can you please not say my name?" she whispered, leaning close to him. "It would cause a huge misunderstanding, you see." real slick, doing this right in front of me I joked in my mind as I watched her whisper in his ear, catching parts of it slightly. mhm, yep, uhuh. very much words that I don't understand, mhm.

"O-oh. Understood..." He cleared his throat, straightening his posture. "The… lady over here seemed to be in distress, with the talk of an insignia being stolen from her. which I cannot overlook even if I am not on duty." His demeanor turned serious the second he mentioned the insignia being stolen. but only for a fraction, as it was immediately morphed into a smile.

"I-it's not what you think, I-!" If the knowledge that I allowed my insignia to be stolen becomes known to him, my candidacy will be revoked!

I glanced at Emilia, instantly realizing what she was thinking. Right, she doesn't want any of the knights to get involved, as it might lead to trouble or worse, like her chance at the king being snuffed out. I let out a small sigh as I spoke up. "Yeah, it's not that bad. It's just we were trying to catch a thief who was going around stealing wallets, pretty jewels, insignias, and stuff like that, you know. Petty thief stuff."

I lifted the bag in my hand for emphasis, then lowered it again. "A few minutes ago, she almost robbed me, and we thought she might try to steal from someone else. So we figured we'd catch her, give her a good talking to, and make her return what she took. No need to get anyone arrested or anything." I gave a small reassuring smile, or what I think is reassuring.

Reinhard tilted his head slightly, his expression thoughtful. "I see. But if that's the case, why not file a report with the guards?" Answered the beautiful handsome man, with dazzling blue eyes, and a majestic face I love glazing "I'm off duty today, but if you wish, I can assist yo-"

"There's no need, Reinhard. Really!" Emilia interrupted quickly, her tone a little too enthusiastic as she tried to wave off his offer. you'd think rein was a perv she was politely trying to get rid of. heh

I backed her up, nodding"It's just one little kid. We don't want her to get arrested, we just want her to apologize and return what she had stolen. that's all, nothing much really." 

"O-oh, understood," Reinhard answered embarrassedly. These two were just trying to do a good deed by helping a young girl realize the error of her ways while he, as a knight, would just have thrown her into prison. Truly, a selfish monster. The sword saint thought, his inner voice degrading his ideas.

I stepped forward, patting him on the back with a casual smile. "Loosen up, it's fi~ine. don't think too badly about it, but If you really want to help, you can give us a bit of insight. it's a young girl, blonde hair, red scarf, and this tall, seen her?" I held my hand at her approximate height.

Reinhard's expression brightened slightly, as he nodded. "Of course, I'd be glad to assist in any way I could, hmm" his face morphed into one of contemplation, recalling all of the features of all the people he met today, and not even a second later. he was gifted a divine blessing by (his biggest simp) the od lagna, the divine blessing of description Recognition. but even with, this divine blessing he had not seen her.

his facial features darkened, a flicker of frustration showing, on his perfect face. "Unfortunately," he began, his voice calm but tainted with regret, "I haven't encountered anyone matching that description today." how useless

I put a hand on his shoulder "It's fine, we can look by ourselves, thanks for the intent anyway, also, keep being happy. lookin' sad isn't a great look for ya rein." I pat him on the shoulder, hoping it worked. 

his gaze raised up to look me eye to eye, confusion evident in his expression "Thank you for your kind words but... rein?" he asked, thoroughly confused by the word. Man, even more sad

"Oh, it's a nickname. Something I'd call a friend," I explained casually, watching his reaction. "Is it bad?"

His eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, he seemed genuinely thrown off. "…Friend?"

"yeah, I'd say you're a pretty cool guy, so now we're friends. and friends give each other nicknames. I'd say Rein is a pretty good one. but I might be wrong. what do ya think" I flashed a grin. too much grin, it hurts. why am I doing this? oh right, Reinhard is a cool guy (maybe even chill?)

Reinhard blinked, his confusion slowly giving way to something softer, almost wistful. "I see. Then… thank you, Shiro." His lips curved into a small but genuine smile. "I'll try to live up to the name."

I gave a small smile yep, sad, but he'd be a good friend.

Emilia and Puck, watch in the background, one confused, one interested in the encounter happening in front of them. but, one thing is clear are we being ignored? "hmpf" One wise cute silver-haired elf 'said'

I glanced over just in time to catch her pout, but it was just a quick glance as I focused back on Reinhard. "hey, come on, didn't ya remember what I said, stop being so stiff. Loosen up a bit. It's a lot more fun." 

Reinhard paused for a moment, as if considering my words, before nodding with a small, genuine smile. "Okay, okay. Then, I'll try." DAMN, it's dazzling. almost makes me straight. 

Chapter Text

Reinhard and I talked a bit longer, and I made sure to slip in a question about where he lived. Not for anything weird obviously. just so that when I inevitably show up at the Raswald estate (which, of course, will be after Elsa gets nuked, hopefully), I can send him letters or something to keep in touch.

Now, There were two reasons for this. One, he was surprisingly fun to talk to (tease). And two, let's be real—Reinhard is basically a walking cheat code, and I wouldn't mind keeping him as an option. Once Emilia was no longer at risk of getting… well, killed, I could defect to Felt's camp. 

but now. our conversation which barely lasted 5 minutes ended.

"Now, thank you for this conversation. It has been most delightful," Reinhard said with that ever-radiant smile of his. "But I must be going. I wish you luck in your endeavor to find the little girl." With a polite nod, he turned to leave, his posture as composed and graceful as ever.

I watched him go, then stretched my arms behind my head. "Well, that went well." I mused.

Emilia, who had been patiently (and maybe a little grumpily) waiting, crossed her arms. "You sure got along with him quickly," she said, eyeing me with mild annoyance.

Puck floated beside her, tail swishing. "Nya~ I think she just has a thing for knights in shining armor." 

I scoffed, walking up and flicking him on the nose "As if, I just know a good investment when I see it. that's all it was"

Emilia tilted her head. "Investment?"

"Never mind that," I said with a grin. "We should get moving. we still need to get your insignia right? or did you forget the second you saw reins Fabulace face."

Her posture straightened as the realization hit her. "Oh, right! Of course! Let's go!" she quickly turned around but "hey! i didn't forget because I saw his face." she whipped around and said. pouting slightly "I was annoyed you ignored us, ok? That was Re~e~ally mean"

I held up my hands in surrender, a teasing smile still on my lips. "Alright, alright, I'm sorry for ignoring you. My bad."

She narrowed her eyes at me for a second before letting out a small hmph and turning back around, marching ahead with determination. "You're such a dunderhead"

Puck floated up to me, chuckling. "You're playing a dangerous shiro~" giving me a boop on the side of my head. "but, we should get going." he turned around and floated after her contractor. 

... oh shit, wait up I thought after a moment of pause I realized that losing them would be pretty bad. so I quickly chased after them. 

---

an hour of searching later, and subtly guidance later, my plan can be put in motion but first. i need to verify something. "hey puck." I casually called out. i took a quick glance towards the sun. i put my hand out and placed my fingers between the space of the sun and the horizon. 1...2...3 4 5... 6 7 8. 2 hours till sunset, meaning I've got plenty of time, but ideally its best to get there in no more than an hour. i thought before dropping my hands down.

"Huh? Yes?" Puck's voice replied, a bit distracted at first, but quickly snapping his focus back as he floated away from Emilia, who was busy asking a nearby merchant about felt.

He glanced at her for a second, then fully turned his attention to me, his expression shifting into one of curiosity. "Yeah, I'm a spirit. What's on your mind?"

I raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly at his sudden seriousness. "Well, since you're a spirit... I was wondering if you could check what my attribute is? For magic, that is. I might as well ask while Emilia's busy getting her info."

Puck blinked, his ears perking up as he considered my request. "Oh? Is that all? Well, sure, I can do that."

He floated closer, his tail inching closer and tapping at my forehead. "Just a second... Let's see what you've got..."

After a few seconds of soft meowing noises and a tiny flash of light, Puck pulled back, twirling in the air with a pleased grin. "Hmm, hmm, I now know what your attribute is..." he trailed off, his expression shifting briefly. There was a flicker, a moment of something close to fear in his eyes, before it was gone as quickly as it came.

fear? I swear I saw it, I swear. it was there but... Подозрительный I thought before quickly discarding the thought. I saw him twirling around but, that pause was a bit too long for it not to be deliberate. Strange, but not exactly alarming. I tilted my head, watching him carefully.

(I hope you can guess what half her ethnicity is.)

"Alright, that was quick," I said, trying to hide the slight tension in my voice. i really hoped it wasn't something bad. Was I like cursed? why fear? "So, what is it?"

Puck's expression softened, the playful air returning as he twirled once more. "Well, it's not exactly what I was expecting," he hummed, drawing out the suspense like a stage performer. "But it looks like you have a rather unique... attribute..." He let the words hang, clearly enjoying the anticipation.

I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms. "Meaning?" is it bad? IS IT GOOD? WHY ARE YOU BEING SO FUCKING DRAMATIC?

"Meaning," Puck finally dropped his dramatic act that could give a drama kid a run for his money. a playful smirk tugging at his lips, "you have a mix of multiple elemental affinities... It's kind of rare. Normally, people have one primary attribute—fire, water, earth, wind, or something along those lines. But you..."

He paused, grinning wider now. flying around and plopping on my shoulder "have 3 attributes. fire, wind, and what is usually rare by itself yin. but all together, it's exceedingly rare."

My expression widened - but just a tiny bit - before I quickly schooled my features, barely containing the grin threatening to form. all my luck from rolling all those gacha's has finally paid off. this is the best-case scenario for me.

"Exceedingly rare, huh? Well, that sounds like a very good thing for me, doesn't it?" I mused, a hint of amusement in my tone. Three attributes… My mind was already racing with the possibilities. Fire alone was cool as hell, pun not inte- NO, intend your puns, hiding your puns is a sign of worthlessness and WEAKLING attitude. intend every single pun you say. ahem, proceed

fire can be used for many different things if use well, but the best is yin as it is probably the most useful of the elements. well, if you know how to use a sword that is. now i could go on a 1-hour rant on how useful debuffs are but, I have a feeling I won't get the time to.

"Someone seems happy."

I turned to see Emilia approaching, arms crossed, an amused look on her face. see, no time. its Emilia O'clock right now.

"Happy? No, no, no," I waved a hand dismissively, quickly reining in any lingering excitement. "I'd say mildly intrigued at best. But let's not focus on me. You seem to be in a good mood too. did ya get any good info?" I smoothly redirected the conversation, because telling her about magic now would be a chore. it wouldn't be fun and it doesn't let me gain anything, so I don't care.

Emilia nodded, her expression shifting into something more determined. "Actually, yes. i learned that the girl we're looking for is named Felt, and she's most likely in the slums."

"Well, that simplifies things. Narrows down our search reeeaal nicely, doesn't it?" I drawled, stretching my arms before dropping them with a clap. "Since we've got nothing to lose, might as well get moving."

Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel and started walking, confidently striding off in a direction.

Puck tilted his head. "Uh, do you even know where you're going?" he floated off my shoulder and watched me walk off.

"Of course, I do." I lied boldly. no shame. I have no fucking clue and I hope they also don't.

Puck, ever the little menace, grinned. "Oh, well, if you do know, then I guess I won't say anything. Lia let's go."

Emilia sighed, hands on her hips. "Puck, that's mean." Then, in a louder voice, "Shirooo!"

I had already wandered a good distance away. Turning back, I cupped my hands around my mouth. "Whaaaat?"

Emilia's expression was a mix of exasperation and amusement. "The slums are in the other direction."

I froze mid-step. Processing. Calculating.

Then, without hesitation, I spun on my heel and started walking the opposite way, completely unfazed. "Obviously. i was Just testing you." I said, a few seconds later I strode past Emilia and Puck like that was my plan all along. "now, let's go."

Emilia blinked, then exchanged a look with Puck.

Silence...

Then

Puck burst into laughter, his body shaking as he laughed his life out. Emilia giggled, shaking her head before following after me.

Chapter Text

Arriving in the slums, the difference was like the sun and Pluto. The contrast was stark where there had been bustling crowds, lively chatter, and an air of joy, while here there was only an oppressive quiet. There was a harsh smell. People here didn't seem to want attention, as most would only spare glances in our direction. The sand lifts through the air with the wind's influence. All in all, it was sad. 

I subtly scanned my surroundings, my eyes flicking from one spot to another, taking in the sights to keep myself entertained. because at the moment, I was wasting time. I needed to time our arrival just right. Too early, and we'd be stuck waiting around. Too late aaaaand... well guts on the floor. And no, not the one with the big sword. 

"The contrast between here and there is quite vast," I mused, more to fill the silence than anything else. The only thing that makes me do anything, boredom has decided to grab me by the legs and pull me head deep. in other words, I'm bored as fuck.

Emilia nodded, her expression thoughtful as she glanced around. "It's… sad. The difference in how people live just a few streets apart."

Puck, floating beside her, flicked his tail. "Yeah, but that's just how things are. The rich live comfortably and stay rich, while the poor get by however they can." He let out a small sigh. "Though I have to say, the atmosphere here isn't exactly welcoming."

"Well, can ya blame 'em?" I said, swinging my hand to gesture to them. "We're walking around looking like we don't belong by a long shot, I mean, we're all clean-looking. They probably think we're either lost, dumb, or gonna cause something to happen. We're like hella suspicious right now."

Emilia frowned at that, looking at the wary gazes from the people around us. "But I just want to ask about the insignia, nothing bad... I wish they wouldn't be so scared."

"Well, we could always try looking less sus" I suggested with a grin. "Maybe roll around in the dirt a little? look over there, a large patch of dust. maybe if we look like them, they'll treat us like them." 

Puck snickered while Emilia let out a tired sigh. "Sorry, Shiro, but Satella is far too dignified to roll around in the dirt. You, on the other hand, are more than welcome to test it out for us," he said with a smirk.

I tapped my chin, pretending to consider it. "Hmm, I could… but wouldn't it be more fitting for you? I mean, you're a cat. And cats are always getting into dirty places, right?" I pointed at him with an expression of smugness.

Puck gasped, placing a tiny paw over his chest in mock offence. "How dare you! I'll have you know I'm a very clean spirit! You wound me, Shiro. Shameful," he turned his head away, with an expression of deep betrayal. 

"Uh-huh," I deadpanned. "Sure you are... i think I'll be more convinced if you let me touch your fur" I reached out, fingers wiggling ominously. a danger approaches.

Puck immediately darted behind Emilia's head, peeking out just enough to glare at me. "Nope! Only Satella may touch my delicate fur."

I gasped dramatically, placing a hand on my chin and stroking my very real beard, which was very long and very soft. VERY "A-ha! My deduction has been confirmed!" I straightened up, nodding sagely. "Your adamant refusal clearly indicates a guilty mind. You, sir, are undeniably a dirty little kitty cat. Case closed. No rebuttal, and no judge needed. My orders are absolute."

He gasped as he flew above Emilia's head, his tail flicking behind him. "This is outrageous! I demand a retail trial. NO, a Fair trial with no bias involved."

I smirked, crossing my arms. His outrage was oh-so fun. "The court of logic has already ruled, Puck. Your desperate evasion only adds to your guilt. You, sir, are a filthy little kitty."

"This is a grave injustice. I'll have my revenge, mark my words." Puck made a fist, as a fire burned in his eye.

Emilia stifled a giggle, shaking her head. "Alright, you two, that's enough. Seriously, you two seem so close already, but we are here for a reason." 

"Yeah, yeah," I waved her off with a grin. "But just so we're clear, I won that argument."

Puck grumbled something under his breath, but I had now tuned him out. Right now, it was about 90 minutes until sundown, which meant I'd stalled long enough. By now, Felt should be close to reaching Rom's place.

Time to make sure we get there.

###

"Hey, Satella," I called out, lazily trailing behind her.

Emilia glanced back at me, raising an eyebrow. "What is it?"

i slowed down a bit "Could you describe the insignia again? I just want to make sure of something."

She gave me a curious look but didn't question it. "It's a small badge with a red jewel in the middle and the dragon emblem engraved on it. Why?"

"I've got a theory... So it's basically jewellery then? right?"

Emilia nodded. "Yes, that's what most would consider it."

"Okay, so we know Blondie is likely poor—hence the thieving. Since she's in the slums, she's probably in need of extra cash for food, shelter, or whatever else. That means she's not going to keep the expensive jewellery; it serves no real purpose for her."

Emilia's eyes widened slightly. "You think she's going to sell it?" Her expression shifted toward panic.

"yes, exactly. but you see, that is a good thing. for us that is."

"How could that possibly be good for us?" She demanded, clearly not seeing where I was going with this.

"Because trying to track down one little blonde thief wandering around this massive area? Nearly impossible. But finding a pawn shop willing to buy stolen goods? like at least 20 times easier. Since it's gotta be obvious for customers to find em. right? Makes sense doesn't it? but, it would be handy to know which direction she went or something." 

Emilia hummed in thought before brightening. "I can try asking the lesser spirits if they've seen my insignia or the girl." She suggested.

"hmm, sure give it a try. it might work." i agreed

Emilia's gaze drifted to Puck. "Puck, why don't you go and sit with Shiro while I speak to the spirits?"

Emilia turned to Puck, who was still lounging lazily in the air. "Puck, why don't you sit with Shiro while I speak to the spirits?"

Puck perked up, his fluffy tail twitching. "What, you don't want me to help?"

"you know lesser spirits are scared of you, they won't come close if you are near. You'd just get in the way," Emilia said, smiling fondly.

"Oof, wounded," Puck sighed dramatically before floating over to me, and plopping himself onto my shoulder. "Guess I'm stuck with you then."

"Yep," I said, reaching up to poke his tiny belly. "Now suffer you "

Puck batted my hand away with a tiny paw, grumbling, while Emilia closed her eyes, hands clasped together as she reached out to the lesser spirits. The air around us seemed to shift slightly, a faint shimmer flickering in the atmosphere.

I leaned against a nearby wall, watching her work. "So, how long does this usually take?" I muttered to Puck.

"Depends. Spirits don't exactly have a concept of time like you mortals do," he mused, tail swishing. "Could be a few seconds, could be a few minutes. If they're feeling extra dramatic, maybe longer. who knows"

I sighed, stretching my arms behind my head. "Well, guess we gotta wai-" My gaze wandered idly as I spoke, before sharply locking onto a vender. i could speed this up.

Actually, Puck," I said, suddenly perking up, "I'm gonna go have a little chat with that vendor over there." I lazily pointed in the general direction. "Y'know, ask some questions."

Before he could respond, I was already walking off, leaving him floating mid-air, momentarily stunned into silence.

Then, predictably, the grumbling started.

"Hey, wait-! You can't just wander off like that!" Puck huffed, zipping after me. "What kind of questions? Why do I feel like this is gonna be trouble?"

crud, can't use future knowledge to help barter with him, and i can't get puck away without lookin hella suspicious. well, go with the flow i guess "whaaaaaat? nooo way, do you really have that little trust in poor little me?" 

"yep, Not even a little bit." he deadpanned.

Fair enough. no complaints there.

As I approached the vendor, I took a quick moment to assess him. This tradesman's place of business looked more like a child's lemonade stand than a normal shop. It was a small wooden table with food and general goods lying in baskets on the ground behind it. with the trader being a tubby middle-aged man with a short white goatee. i quickly whispered to puck "You're quite the eyecatcher puck so I'd rather you keep hidden so i can work my magic."

Puck's eyes flicked between me and the vendor before sighing. "Fine, fine, but if this goes south, I told you so." With that, he slipped into my hood, the prime real estate for any small, spoiled pet. another point for a little shit.

"Hello, ma'am. What's your pleasure today?" the merchant greeted, his voice smooth with that well-practised air of someone used to haggling.

i scratched my chin. "Maybe you can point me in the right direction?" i asked in a hushed tone.

"Maybe," he replied, eyeing me curiously. "What are you looking for?"

I leaned in just a bit. "i was looking to... acquire a certain jewel for my boss, you see...." I Lied, My voice carrying just the right mix of suggestion and secrecy. while also sounding cool cause might as well have fun with it.

The merchant chuckled. "You won't find any jewellery shops down here, miss. If it's gems you're after, you'd be better off heading to Hightown. There's a big—"

The man's expression shifted slightly, his grin was still there, but there was now a glint of understanding in his eyes. "Ahh, I see," he nodded knowingly.

"Yes, you do see." I offered a small smile. "You see, my boss really needed this particular jewel, but unfortunately, someone beat me to it. Stolen right from under my nose. And, well… if I were to return empty-handed, let's just say my health might take a sudden nosedive." I let out a small, humourless chuckle. "Now, if I happened to know where a thief might sell such an item, I could, perhaps, still buy it back and avoid an unfortunate accident."

The merchant frowned, looking thoughtful. "I get where you're coming from, but my hands are tied. See, I don't really have any incentive to do it, with a chance of it backfiring on me. And, well… I don't really know you, do I?"

i pulled out a packet of crisps and opened it, the smell wafted into the air, "well that's a shame, here have a chip, it's good" i handed him a singular chip. 

I let out a dramatic sigh, then casually reached into my pocket, pulling out a small packet of crisps. With a deliberate slowness, I tore it open, letting the rich, jalapeno aroma fill the air. The merchant's eyes flickered toward it, ever so slightly. he was interested. 

"Well, that's a shame," I mused, popping one into my mouth with not-so-exaggerated enjoyment because dam is it good, but enough of that. I held one out to him. "Here. Have a chip. It's good."

"...Are you bribing me with... food?" he asked confused, but the smell was quite bribing in of itself. 

"Yes." i spoke sharply

and after slight hesitation, her tried it.

The moment the chip hit his tongue, the man's eyes widened ever so slightly. He chewed slowly, savouring the crunch and flavour like a man who had just discovered the meaning of life.

"...Damn," he muttered under his breath. "That's good."

a smile forming on my lips.

His gaze flickered between me and the bag of crisps in my hand. He licked his lips subtly before clearing his throat. "So… uh, let's say, hypothetically speaking, I had a bit of information."

"then i might, hypothetically, give this bag over for this hypothetical information. " I sassed

I raised an eyebrow, shaking the bag ever so slightly, letting the sound of chips rustling fill the air. and dominate his senses.

and this, his resolve instantly crumbled, as the best way to anyone's heart, is food. especial fan-fucking-tastic food. 

With a resigned sigh, he rubbed his goatee before jabbing a finger in a direction. "Alright, listen up. Few blocks down - straight, left, straight, straight, right, straight, straight, left. Keep going till you hit a big building. Old Man Rom runs the place. Hard to miss, guy's built like a damn boulder. Tell him what you're after and flash some coin, and he'll do business. But here's a free tip, don't try to scam him unless you wanna leave in pieces."

good, clear directions, perfect.

I tossed him the bag with a nod. "Pleasure doing business."

He caught it with both hands like a prized treasure, already fishing out another chip. "Mmm… soo worth it."

With that, I turned on my heel and headed back to Emilia.

---

As I strolled back toward Emilia, Puck suddenly shot out of my hood, stretching mid-air like a cat waking from a nap.

"Well, that was… something," he muttered, rubbing his eyes. Then, with a squint of suspicion, he added, "And also surprisingly well thought out. But seriously, did you just bribe a man with food?"

I smug smirk played on my lips. "yes. And it worked, didn't it? or did it not?"

Puck crossed his tiny arms, looking both amused and exasperated. "I dunno if I should be impressed or worried. That guy folded faster than a cheap tent."

I waved a hand dismissively "You underestimate the power of food. food is a powerful persuasion tool. especial if its good food. 100%" this is not due to past actions, no way jose

Puck hummed, tapping his chin in thought. "Huh. Maybe I should start carrying snacks around. Might be useful."

"mmmm, yeah right. I doubt that, I think you'd just eat it. you little spoiled kitty." I snorted.

Before he could argue, I reached out and poked his belly, earning an indignant squeak. "Oi! I'm not spoiled." he huffed, puffing up slightly like an offended cat. an offended spoiled kitty perhaps?

I just chuckled, but before we could continue our banter, Emilia's voice rang out, sharp with frustration.

"Where did they go!?"

She rounded the corner in a huff, eyes scanning the streets before landing on us. Her expression softened slightly, but the exasperation remained.

"Did you two seriously just leave me behind!?" she demanded, hands on her hips.

Puck, the little traitor, snickered. "Technically, she left. I just tagged along."

Emilia huffed, crossing her arms. "You didn't even tell me!"

I blinked, glancing at Puck. Now that I thought about it… why had he come along? Wouldn't he rather stay with Emilia? I mean, I was basically a stranger he met an hour ago. Shouldn't he be glued to her side instead of following me around? hmmm... this might be good or bad. i hope its good and that anime "become friends in like 5 minutes of meeting" thing happened.

"yeah, puck, why did ya leave her? what, did I win ya over?" I smirked, as I fished for info.

Puck shrugged, floating lazily in circles. "Dunno. You seemed like you'd get into trouble without supervision."

I scoffed. "Pfft, I don't need a chaperone. i was just fishing for info from some merchants..." I turned to face Emilia "Anyway, let's move on from Puck's obvious interest in me"

"hey-!" I heard in the background but ignored it, because I love being a dick.

"Did the spirits tell ya anything?" 

Emilia shook her head. "Not really. They recognize the girl. She comes around here a lot but they don't know where she lives or where she is. I thought maybe if we waited here for a while we might bump into her."

"Hmm…" I tapped my chin. "That plan might've worked, but like, an hour ago... she's probably already trying to sell it. which is not good. Buuuut, lucky for you, the merchant I spoke to gave me some JUICY information about everything we needed to know. real kind huh?"

Emilia perked up. "Really?"

"Yep. he said that there's a guy named Old Man Rom who runs a fence not too far from here." I grinned, jabbing a thumb in the direction I memorized. "Got super specific directions too, so we'll be there in less than a minute."

I clasped my hands together, closing my eyes like I had just bestowed divine wisdom. "Now this is the part where you shower me with praise for being such an amazing detective."

Emilia blinked.

Puck snorted. "More like 'accidentally useful.'"

I gasped dramatically. "I cannot believe this slander." he held my chest, acting all hurt. "you wound me," I wiped a "tear" from my eye, turning away dramatically. when you play so much DnD its in your nature.

Emilia giggled but quickly composed herself. "Well, either way, that's a great lead. Let's go before we lose more time."

I immediately straightened up, dropping all the dramatics from my voice. "Yes, I agree. We should go." like a flick of a hat, so fast that it gave puck whiplash. 

With that, we set off, following the merchant's directions. It was pretty easy to remember, so, just as I had predicted, we arrived at a rather large building in less than a couple of minutes.

As we walked, I outlined my plan. Emilia and I would enter alone—without Puck—since he would be too obvious. It was smarter to hide any advantages we had. Knowing he had limited time left in the physical world, Puck retreated into his crystal to conserve energy, waiting in case something happened. The idea was simple: we'd approach Rom in a friendly manner since he should be alone, and then wait for Felt to arrive and demand the insignia. well, that's what I told Emilia.

Of course, the real reason for this plan was to make sure events played out in a way similar to the anime, such as her getting hit in the back by else, so that I could make her know I saved her life. it would make Puck like me a lot more. though, I don't think I need to that much anymore, seems like he is a lot more friendly with me. is it cause I'm not a man? whatever enough ranting.

She agreed with the idea, and as we rounded the final corner, the large, familiar warehouse-like building came into view. It was identical to my memories

But… something odd happened.

In just a fraction of a fraction of a second, such a minuscule sliver of time that most wouldn't have even registered it, but I did.

A sudden wave of dizziness. Light-headedness. Strain?

Whatever it was, it came fast and vanished just as quickly, but it was there. Subtle, almost imperceptible to most, but enough for me to notice. Enough to make me stumble slightly from the abrupt shift, even if it was minor.

"Woah—?" I caught myself, feet steadying against the ground as I stood still, waiting. what the fuck was that?

I straightened up, eyes darting around, scanning my surroundings with sharp precision. Every single detail and every single flicker of movement, I analyzed it all in an instant. i was in alert... but

But… nothing. Nothing out of the ordinary... ok. what the fuck happened there, that was NOT normal. 

"Shiro? Are you alright?" Emilia's voice held a note of concern as she glanced at me. noticing my stumble.

I blinked, refocusing back to reality,y dismissing my thoughts and forcing a grin, waving it off. "Oh, it's nothing. Just tripped on absolutely nothing like an idiot."

Emilia still looked a bit unconvinced, but she didn't press. 

ugh, I don't have anything to go off of now. So I will leave this be, but this was really odd. It felt like what is described when a character tries to push a mental ability too far.. I guess... but... I don't have any... I think?

I really hope this doesn't bite me in the ass later. and with that last thought, I dismissed this occurrence to the back corner of my mind for review later. as we walked to Old Man Rom's bar.

Chapter Text

"I need you to keep your hood down so no one recognizes you," I said, glancing at Emilia. "Let me handle the talking. Also—" I hesitated for a moment before sighing. "I'm going to be lying. A lot. So try not to react to my bullshit, alright? If you do say something, make sure we don't contradict each other."

Emilia gave me a firm nod, though I could see the slight hesitation in her expression. "I'll try my best," she said, adjusting her hood to better conceal her features, namely her ears.
"Good," I said, stepping toward the door. "Just think of it like a game—whoever breaks character first loses."

Emilia blinked at me. "Is that supposed to make this easier?"

I smirked. "No, but it does make it more fun."

With that, I raised my hand and knocked on the door.

Heavy footsteps approached from inside.

"What's the password?" a gruff voice demanded.

fuck, i forgot about the password. shit, I do remember it, but I can't fucking say it with out Emilia becoming extremely suspicious with me so, I'll have to be brash. because that always works.

"I've got money!" I called out confidently. ok, panicked, but it's ok, I can salvage this.

Emilia shot me a confused look, probably assuming I had some kind of plan. I didn't. Her existence had just thrown my original plan out the window.

The door creaked open, revealing a massive figure, a simply enormous man with brown skin, broad shoulders, and grey hair. His sharp eyes narrowed at me with suspicion. "That's not the password," he growled.

"Really?" I raised a brow. "'Cause where I come from, that works every time." I flashed an easy smile. i am trustworthy, look at my smile, it is trusting.

The old man snorted, but I caught the slight twitch of a smirk before he forced his expression back to neutral. "Cute. Now, what do you want?" problem solved, situation salvaged.

"We're looking to make a purchase of a valuable item and someone suggested that a guy named Rom was our best bet," I explained smoothly.

The old man stepped out onto his front porch. Jesus, he had to be nine at least feet tall. "And just what exactly are you looking for?"

"then I'll have to assume your rom huh?" in the corner of my eye I could see Emilia 
The old man gave no reply, probably meaning he wanted his question answered first.

I tilted my head. "So I'll take that as confirmation that you are Rom?"

The old man remained silent, clearly expecting me to answer first.

I let out a chuckle. "Well, nice to meet ya too, Rom. I'd love to explain, but I'd say it's a rather private matter. How about we talk it over a drink?" My tone was cheerful and casual, but every word was carefully chosen as well. I'd rather be in than outside.

Rom studied me for a moment, then let out a gruff sigh. "Fine." He turned and walked back inside, leaving the door open for us to follow. 

Emilia blinked, clearly surprised at how easily that worked. She hesitated for a second before following me in.

I shot her a quick wink and a grin. "See? Told ya I got this." Then, I turned back towards Rom to follow.

---
Rom took a seat at a long table, and Subaru and Satella sat down directly across from him.
"So, who are you two, anyway?" he asked gruffly.

I put on a casual smirk. "the name's Belova, and this is my sister, Tella." I shot a quick glance at Satella, but if she reacted to the fake sibling bit, her robe hid it well.

Rom grunted. "Alright. What are you looking for?"

I mulled over a few different approaches before settling on something simple, most effective one. "My boss sent me here to procure a very special piece of jewellery,"

Rom arched a bushy brow. "Procure?" He reached down, pulled up a large, dusty bottle, and set it on the table with a solid thud. Jesus thats a huge bottle. i thought surprised, but didn't show any change outwardly.

"The owner was a reluctant seller. you see." I explained cheerfully. 

"Ah." Rom let out a knowing chuckle, taking a swig straight from the bottle before belching loudly. "That kind of procurement." 

ew

"So what's all this got to do with me?" Rom asked.

I nodded, spreading my hands. "Unfortunately, right before I could do my thing, some other sneaky bastard swooped in and snatched it first," I sighed dramatically as if recalling a great personal tragedy. "shitty luck, huh?"

Rom burst out laughing.

I blinked. "Uh, dude, it's not that funny. I'd say there are plenty of things funnier than my misfortune." I shot him a fake annoyed glare.

Rom wiped a tear from his eye, still chuckling. "So I'm guessing your boss won't be too happy with you."

"Not at all. my life at the moment is ticking till its grave at the moment." I admitted with a theatrical sigh "Which is why I'm here. Any thief who nabs something valuable is bound to try pawning it off sooner or later, right? If they bring it here, I might be able to buy it back before my boss decides I'd look better six feet under."

Rom hummed in thought, swirling the bottle in his hand. "Well, if someone's looking to offload stolen goods, this is the place to do it." He peered at me over the rim of his drink. "You know who your thief is?"

ah damnit, relationships. he's gonna get pissy at any mention of felt. I should just do a vague description to make it less suspicious, but I hope he won't get instantly hostile.

I tapped my chin, pretending to struggle for details. "Hmm… not sure. But I do remember a few things." I paused as if piecing it together in my head. "Blonde. Short. Kinda thin. And, uh… red eyes." I let the last detail hang in the air before shrugging. "That's all I got."
Rom stiffened.

...good? Bad?

"And what do you want with her?" Rom asked. His voice was casual but his massive muscles had tensed noticeably.

baaaaaad... shit okay, this question is important gotta word it well.

I immediately threw my hands up, putting on my best Whoa, chill dude expression. "Hey, hey, no need to get worked up! I'm not looking for trouble." I waved my arms a little for emphasis, but Satella was already on high alert, subtly shifting as if ready to summon ice at a moment's notice.

"All I wanna do is buy it off her, seriously." I softened my voice, keeping things light. "She snatched something my boss wants, and I'd rather not end up dead over it. That's all. No hard feelings, no drama. Just business." I forced an easygoing grin. "Girl was just doing her thing. No problemo from me."

Rom's expression remained unreadable as he studied me. The silence stretched for a moment too long. before he let out a sigh. "Alright, fine. Her name's Felt," he grumbled as if the name itself left a sour taste in his mouth. "She'll probably be here in less than an hour or so. You can stick around and wait."

i gave a quick nod as Satella relaxed "Thanks, rom, that's real kind of ya."

He grunted in response and took another swig from his bottle, clearly uninterested in pleasantries. "Just keep it quiet while you're here. We don't want any trouble."

"Of course," I said with a smile that was just a little too wide. "We're not here for anything other than business."

Satella shifted in her seat, her expression unreadable as she glanced at me, her fingers twitching slightly as though she were already calculating how best to react if things went sideways. I gave her a quick, reassuring glance, winking once again. She blinked in surprise but let out a quiet breath, her shoulders easing ever so slightly.

Rom, apparently satisfied that we weren't about to cause immediate trouble, lumbered back behind the counter, leaving us to our own devices.

I scooted my chair closer to Satella, leaning in just enough to keep my voice low. "See that?" I whispered with a smug grin. "That's a master at work."

She narrowed her eyes, her lips twitching in what could have been amusement or exasperation. "A master of what, exactly?" she muttered.

I shrugged, still grinning. "The art of persuasion. The delicate craft of getting what you want without breaking a sweat. you should take some note's, it's a very useful skill."

She let out a quiet huff, but the last traces of tension in her posture melted away. she gave a small chuckle. "Right," she said dryly. "I'll be sure to take notes."

"well, now we wait."

Chapter Text

After what felt like an eternity - seriously, the clock could have exploded from my sheer boredom, checking what I needed only took 10 minutes at minimum - Emilia was starting to get fidgety. Her fingers tapped restlessly on the table, her eyes darting toward the door every few seconds. I could practically see her patience crumbling like dry paper.

I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice so only she could hear. "Hey, you seem to be getting quite figity, are you nervous?"

She snapped up to me and quickly said quietly enough, "Y-yes, it's just... the insignia is very important, and sitting here doing nothing just doesn't feel right. I know Rom said Felt was coming, but... it feels wrong for me to just wait around."

"I get it. You're anxious to make sure everything goes right. But the waiting is part of the plan, too. If we don't interact with Felt, we won't get your insignia back. so we need to know where she is first... but your nerves might tip off the big guy over there." I paused for a second, thinking. "Hmm... since you feel bad about doing nothing, how about you go outside and scout for Felt? That way, you'll be doing something productive and get some fresh air. Does that sound good?"

She hesitated, her eyes flickering between the door and my face before returning to the door. "But... what if something goes wrong? I don't want to be caught off guard."

I leaned back in my chair, trying to sound reassuring. "Well, I'd say it won't. Just stay on watch outside, keep hidden, and when I give the signal - probably just me saying 'now' - you come in, full force, and get it back yourself."

She paused again, considering it, but then nodded slowly. "Alright, sounds good. I'll do it."

I gave her a reassuring smile. "Good. You've got this. Just stay sharp."

With a final glance at me, she stood up and made her way to the door, leaving me alone with rom.

***

The door swung open with a creak, and in walked Felt, her voice casual as she called out, "Hey Gramps. I'm back."

Rom's eyes flickered toward her, a grunt of acknowledgment leaving his lips. "Bout time. What'd you bring me?" His voice was gruff, but there was a hint of curiosity and slight fondness beneath the hardened exterior.

Felt smirked, her hands tucked into the pockets of her worn-out jacket. "Nothing you'd want, old man." Her gaze swept over the room, landing on me and Rom before she casually leaned against the counter.

"Who's this chick, Gramps?" she asked, glancing at me with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

Rom let out a deep sigh, rubbing his temple. "This here is Belova. She's looking for you, Felt."

Felt raised an eyebrow, taking a quick look at me before giving a short laugh. "For me?" She scoffed, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Ha, sorry, Belova's a weird name."

After a second, she spoke up "Well, okay, what is it you need from me?"

I cleared my throat. "I'm an interested buyer for something I think you have." 

Felt chuckled and gave me a once-over before leaning her hands behind her head. "I doubt it. I don't have anything at the moment worth it."

I didn't flinch, keeping my gaze steady. "Ah, but you do. See, my boss sent me to town to steal something from an elf girl." I let the words hang in the air for a moment, watching her reaction. "But then suddenly, I was no longer able. I think you know the rest."

Her eyes widened for just a fraction of a second before she drew back from the counter, her posture shifting ever so slightly.

I smiled, seeing the shift, and held my hands up in a calming gesture. "Now, now, no need to get so spooked. I'm not looking for a fight or revenge or a reason to hurt. I just want the item. And like I said, I'm willing to buy it."

Felt bit her lower lip, her mind clearly turning over my offer. After a pause, she sighed and rolled her eyes, clearly unamused by the situation. She crossed her arms tightly over her chest, looking me over for a moment before pulling out a small silver badge from her pocket. It had a dragon etched across the surface with a small red jewel embedded in the center. "This one, right?"

"Mhm, yep, that's it," I said, nodding in approval. "How much are you lookin' for?"

The girl remained silent for a beat, her expression thoughtful. "I was promised twenty gold coins for it."

I grinned, but there was a tinge of coldness to it. "Well, that's a nice offer, but I've got an item that's worth far more than that." I paused for dramatic effect, then leaned in slightly, the edge of my voice sharpening. "But, sadly, I won't be giving it." my face dropping into a frown.

Felt's eyes narrowed, her confusion clear as she processed the situation.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Satella through the window. I gave her a quick thumbs-up and winked, signaling everything was in place.

Then, without a word, I smoothly stepped back, distancing myself from both Rom and Felt.

"Now" 

The door burst open with a loud creak, and Satella strode in, her hood pulled back, revealing her icy gaze. The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly, her aura commanding attention.

Felt tensed, her eyes flicking between Satella and me, her face paling as the reality of her situation set in. Her gaze locked onto the insignia that Emilia had been hunting for, the one she had stolen.

"Return what you took, and there won't be any trouble," Emilia said, her voice calm but unwavering, her presence radiating confidence.

Felt's shock was palpable. She blinked rapidly, her mind racing to process what was happening. "Wha—" she started, her voice trailing off as she pieced everything together. Then, with a sharp snap of her head, her gaze landed on me. "You set me up."

I shrugged nonchalantly, trying to keep the upper hand. "What can I say? I mean, it's not yours, is it now? I'm just tryna get the insignia to its rightful owner. I have nothing against you, and she doesn't either. So just give it back and we can all be good. Unless you want it to get physical, which won't end well."

In an instant, six jagged ice spikes materialized around Emilia, three of them poised like spears, aimed straight at Rom and Felt.

Felt's breath hitched as she took a step back, her fingers twitching near her waist, likely debating whether she could make a run for it. Rom, on the other hand, remained still, his massive arms crossing over his chest as he observed the situation. 

"Hel-" Felt started, but Rom sighed heavily, cutting her off.

"Felt. just give it back."

Felt's mouth hung open for a second, completely thrown off. "Whaaat?!" She spun to face him, eyes wide with disbelief. "Are you serious, rom? We're just gonna roll over and hand it to them?"

Rom exhaled through his nose, his gaze steady. "I don't like it either, but I ain't stupid. Look around, girl. This is not worth the trouble."

Felt clenched her jaw, frustration flashing across her face, but she wasn't reckless enough to ignore the situation. Her eyes darted toward the ice hovering dangerously close, then to me, then back to Rom.

"But... I can't just give it up. I made a deal," she said, voice tight with hesitation.

Rom let out another deep sigh, rubbing the back of his head. "Felt, listen. A deal ain't worth much if you ain't around to uphold it. You really think your contractor's gonna care if you get yourself killed over this?"

As I watched everything unfold, I kept my guard up. Any second now, she should make her move. But thankfully, I had taken precautions - Puck was already on alert. I made sure he knew to be ready without Emilia's knowledge, so the moment Elsa struck, he'd step in to block it, just like in the original. But, I'd rather this go quicker. Hmm.

Then - I saw it, in the corner of my eye. A faint glint of steel in the dim light, creeping up behind Emilia.

"PUCK, SHIELD HER!" I shouted, my voice cutting through the tension like a blade. completely startiling felt and Emilia.

Everyone's heads snapped toward me just as the attack was about to land.

CLANG

A thin, hexagonal wall of ice shot up between Emilia and the incoming dagger, deflecting it with a sharp, ringing impact. The blade bounced off harmlessly.

Emilia gasped, spinning around, while Felt stumbled back, eyes wide in shock. Rom tensed, his massive frame shifting slightly as he processed the sudden attack.

From behind the barrier, a small, glowing figure emerged—Puck, his tiny form radiating with protective energy. His feline eyes narrowed as he floated beside Emilia.

Puck sighed, stretching lazily before turning to me with a thumbs-up. "That was cutting it closer than needed. Thanks for the warning," he grinned, his usual playful tone intact.

Then, his expression darkened, his ears twitching as his gaze locked onto the figure emerging from the shadows. The air grew heavier, a cold tension settling over the room.

A low chuckle echoed from the darkness.

"How unfortunate," a sultry voice purred. "I was hoping to end this quickly." 

I would find that hot if it wasn't Elsa. She just gives me the ick, no matter what. Especially because of her hobby.

Elsa stepped forward, twirling her dagger between her fingers, her dark purple eyes gleaming with excitement.

Well, she's here now. Let's just hope I don't mess it up.

Chapter Text

Elsa's eyes glinted with sadistic amusement as she took another step forward, dagger dancing effortlessly between her fingers.

"Oh, a spirit?" she purred, her gaze drifting lazily over the room. "I've never seen the insides of a spirit before... how delightful."

Felt stiffened beside Rom, her expression tightening with a mixture of fear and confusion. "H-Hey! What the hell are you talking about?"

Elsa tilted her head toward the blonde, her smile widening. "Well, it seems we can't exactly negotiate if the insignia's rightful owner is already present… so I've decided to change the terms."

Her eyes shimmered with murderous intent.

"I can't have any witnesses," she whispered, voice dripping with eerie calm. "So, I'll just slaughter everyone here. As you've failed to keep up you're end of the bargain. You talked big, yet you fell short, as expected of a lowly slum dweller."

With that, she raised her dagger high, the blade catching the light as it spun. Her stance shifted, predatory and graceful, like the start of a dance. With death itself.

I narrowed my eyes, "Satella, ready yourself," I said, barely audible.Puck floated beside Emilia now, his expression dark, cold air beginning to seep into the room.

Now, let's stall a little.

Feeling his gaze on me, I gave a subtle nod and a casual wink, our unspoken (but technically spoken a couple of hours before) plan was coming to fruition.

Turning back to Elsa, I flashed a faint smirk.

"What? Annoyed that things didn't go to plan. So now you're going to kill us all? how tactless"

Elsa chuckled, low and velvety, as if my words amused her more than they should.

"Oh, darling," she cooed, the dagger twirling between her fingers like a toy, "this is the plan. The moment negotiations fell apart, the only logical next step was carnage. Everything after is just clean-up."

The room had gone still, tension crackling in the air like a drawn wire ready to snap. Felt had stepped back, eyes flicking toward the door, but it was far too late for that now. Rom's expression had hardened, arms already beginning to shift, his massive frame bracing for what was to come.

I tilted my head, keeping my tone light, taunting even."Pretty bold for someone who failed to land even one hit earlier. You sure you're not overestimating yourself?"

That wiped the smirk off her face, just for a second.

Then, she smiled wider.

"Oh, I wasn't aiming to hit. I just like watching people flinch."

"Oh, suuure you did," I replied lazily, twirling on my heel like I didn't have a murderous psychopath standing ten feet in front of me. Yet, my eyes never once left her body during this entire exchange. Say for the odd blink. 

I gave a mock clap, tone light and laced with sarcasm. "Classic excuse. 'I meant to miss'. Oldest one in the book. But hey, props to you, you sold it. Must take a special kind of person to really enjoy watching others suffer."

I stopped twirling, my smile dropping just enough to show I wasn't joking anymore.

"Well, too late to back out now. I suppose."

Elsa's grin widened like I'd just handed her a gift.

"Aren't you a lively one?" she purred. "I'll take my time with you."

"I'm sure you will, but not right now, as it was all a ploy. For little ol' me to buy time. Now! puck."

"Well, too late to back out now. I suppose."

Elsa's grin widened like I'd just handed her a present wrapped in blood-red ribbon.

"Aren't you a lively one?" she purred, licking her lips like a predator savoring the moment before the kill. "I'll take my time with you."

I smiled, calm as ever. "I'm sure you will." I took a casual step back, hands raised like I was surrendering.

"But not right now."

Her eyes narrowed.

"It was all a ploy, after all," I said smoothly, the confidence in my voice shifting the air. "Just buying a little time... for little ol' me."

Then I snapped my fingers.

"Now, Puck."

The air around Emilia exploded into a swirl of icy wind as Puck's magic flared to life, glowing with power. In an instant, dozens of massive ice crystals burst forth, circling Elsa like spears ready to strike.

Elsa's grin twitched, her confidence finally showing a crack.

The crystals shot forward in unison, hammering into her with ruthless precision. The room was drowned in a blinding flurry of frost and mist. When the storm settled, a towering spire of ice stood where she once stood, completely encasing her.

For a moment, silence.

Then Rom had to jynx it. "Did they get 'er?!"

CRRRK—SHATTER.

No, no, they did not. Why did I forget about that goddamn cloak. fuck roswaal. That could have significantly increased our chances of escaping or winning.

The berg burst apart in an explosion of jagged shards, her cloak vanishing with the blast. Elsa stepped out, unscathed, dagger gleaming as she gave it a lazy flick, scattering a few ice chips from its edge.

"One should always be prepared," she purred, voice lower now, sharper. "Even the weak can bite when cornered."

Then she moved.

In a blur, she surged forward, blade flashing, aiming directly for Emilia—only to be met with a sudden wall of ice.

Puck floated defensively at her side, eyes glowing with quiet fury."Sorry, but threatening my daughter is a really bad idea. that I won't forgive you for."

She clicked her tongue and moved again, faster this time.

Puck raised a paw. A wave of frost surged forward, forcing her to dart sideways, boots sliding across the ground as she barely avoided the brunt of it. Her dagger flicked out, slicing through a thin layer of ice that had started to creep up her arm.

They circled each other, tension mounting. Blades of ice clashed and shattered, the air growing colder with every passing moment. Crystal shards zipped through the air, cutting into walls and tearing up the floor. The room was becoming a battleground of frost and steel.

While the chaos unfolded, I hung back with Felt and Rom, watching from the shadows of the room.

i know that, unlike cannon, Puck has a lot more time left, but still. Elsa is an opponent that won't be able to be defeated by Puck and Emilia alone. They won't be able to win this battle of attrition. So, I need to make sure Felt escapes and calls for help.

"Rom," I said quietly, eyes never leaving the fight. "All of us together fighting won't make it out of this alive if it keeps going like this."

He looked at me, brows furrowed, but I didn't give him time to object.

"Please, don't argue," I urged, my voice firm. "That's the Bowl Hunter. She's known far and wide in Gusteko for her ruthless strength. We might be strong, but she has some kind of regeneration ability. I don't know what it is, but with how this is going, Emilia and Puck don't have nearly enough power to overcome it. So, Felt, I need you to escape and call for help. You're the fastest here, so you'll make it out. Rom and I aren't, and I especially..." I hope I don't come out as too informative. It'd be bad to have suspicion. 

Felt listening blinked as her name was brought up, caught off guard. "Wait, what? You serious?"

"As a heart attack. We're on a clock, and it's running out of time. Go. now."

Felt blinked, surprised as her name was mentioned. "Wait, what? You serious?"

"As serious as death itself," I said, urgency creeping into my tone. "We're on a clock, and it's running out. Go. Now."

Felt's eyes flickered to Rom, a silent plea for guidance. Rom, for once, didn't hesitate. His gaze softened slightly, but his words were resolute.

"She's right. You need to go. It's the only way."

Felt hesitated for only a heartbeat before nodding, determination setting in. "Fine. I'll do it."

"Good," I said, slowly uncrouching, my eyes locked on the battle. "When I give you the signal, you rush out and don't look back."

I kept my gaze sharp, watching the exchange between Emilia, Puck, and Elsa. Every move was a step closer to what we needed, but I knew it wouldn't be enough if Elsa was allowed to regain her footing.

Then it happened.

Puck froze Elsa's foot in place, a sharp crack echoing as ice formed around her ankle. Without missing a beat, he struck, sending a massive iceberg of ice shooting toward her.

"Now!" I barked, my voice low but urgent. "Go. She's distracted and unfocused!"

Felt didn't waste any time, sprinting toward the door, her figure barely a blur in the dim light as she made her escape.

But Elsa, her sharp senses never wavering, caught sight of the movement. Her eyes narrowed, her expression twisting into something more dangerous.

"Trying to run away, are we?" she sneered, voice laced with venom. In one fluid motion, she whipped a dagger from her belt, throwing it with deadly precision toward Felt's retreating figure.

Fuck fuck fuck, how did she notice this time? Puck and Emilia should have her attention? Yet she still noticed? fuck, she's also putting her full priority into It to.

My mind was quickly racing as I saw the dagger in her hand slowly leave her hand. It's predicting where she's going to be, so if felt's momentum is halted, it'll miss. fuck, hope i don't die too.

With a swift, instinctive lunge, I threw myself at Felt, arms outstretched. I grabbed her around the waist, thank god she's light. I lowered myself, as I used my remaining directional force and weight, to twist my hip and yank her back and down to the floor. Narrowly dodging the blade.

Using the last bit of momentum, I twisted my hip, channeling all my remaining strength to yank her down to the floor, pulling her just out of the dagger's path.

The blade sliced the air inches from my side, grazing my shoulder in a sharp sting before embedding itself into the floorboards behind us.

"Fuck!" I gasped, my breath shallow as I held Felt down, shielding her from whatever else Elsa might throw our way. My body pressed against her and the floor. Blood was quickly trickling out of the wound.

I heard a small gasp behind me (probably Emilia) and then the unmistakable crash of Puck's glacier-like crystal slamming into Elsa.

A quick glance back showed Elsa being knocked into the wall, the impact not as powerful as the first, but enough to leave her staggered, even as she blocked part of it. I smiled a bit as I noticed one of her wrists forming into a blooming bruise and torn skin, a sign of it being heavily injured. Maybe even broken.

"Are you okay?" I whispered to Felt, my voice urgent but calm. "If so, go now. She's perceptive, but she's hurt. Take the chance while you can."

Felt's eyes darted back and forth, hesitating for a split second, before she nodded, determination flashing in her eyes. She pushed herself up, avoiding looking back at the chaos behind her. "Right. I'm out. T-thank's for the save... btw." 

She didn't wait for further encouragement. With a swift motion, she bolted, her footsteps quick and sure, leaving me with the burden of making sure Elsa didn't notice the escape.

Elsa, still recovering from the earlier blow, finally regained her stance, eyes narrowing as she assessed the situation. "You think you can escape that easily?" she sneered, raising her dagger once more. Her gaze locked onto me, cold and calculating.

I could feel the intensity of the air shift, as if she were already preparing for her next move. Now, Blade turned to me.

Shit, i can't handle her strength, i may be able to react and dodge, but that's only because i can observe her. Not because of my speed. It's no where near her monstrous speed... fuck.

Quickly, I pulled out the dual blades, wincing due to the pain blossoming on my shoulder. That hurts, but death'll probably hurt more. 

I tightened my grip on the dual blades, forcing myself to focus despite the pain that was beginning to flare in my shoulder. Elsa's grin twisted as she twirled her dagger, her eyes glinting with a dangerous, almost playful edge. She knew I was on the defensive, and that was exactly where she wanted me.

"Let's see how long you last," she purred, lunging forward with a speed that almost made my heart stop.

I barely managed to twist out of the way, the blade grazing my side. A searing pain shot through me, but I ignored it. I had no choice but to keep up. Her next strike came fast, a horizontal slash that I only just managed to parry with one of my blades. The force of the impact rattled my arms, nearly making me drop the weapon.

Her laughter filled the room, sweet and cruel. "You're faster than most, but not fast enough."

I swallowed hard, forcing my breath steady, trying to push aside the pain. With each attack, I could feel her precision, her deadly intent, closing in on me. I couldn't keep this up forever.

Every time I dodged, it felt like a hair's breadth away from disaster. The only thing I had on her was my ability to read her movements, and even that was starting to wear thin. I could see where she was going to strike, but it was getting harder to move in time.

Puck had fully run out of juice and went to go... whatever he does after he finishes his 9-5 in his crystal. Maybe sleep? Topic for another time. Emilia was alone, but that didn't stop her, as she covered me anytime Elsa had a heavy strike.

but

The shift happened so quickly, I barely had time to process it. One moment, Elsa was focused entirely on me; the next, her attention snapped to Emilia, and in a heartbeat, she closed the distance between them.

I watched in horror as Elsa's blade cut through the air, aimed directly at Emilia's exposed side. "WHAT!" I shouted in surprise at the change in target.

Emilia, to her credit, reacted just in time, conjuring a large ice shield to block the majority of the strike. But Elsa's dagger still sliced through the shield with a sickening crack, grazing Emilia's side and drawing a thin line of blood. Emilia gasped, stumbling back, but the shield held, sparing her from anything worse.

Elsa, undeterred by the partial block, shifted effortlessly to her next strike. Then, Rom barreled in to intercept, his club raised high to defend Emilia. But Elsa was faster. She landed gracefully on top of Rom's club, twisting in midair as she slashed downward, slicing across his side with surgical precision.

Rom grunted, the blow only just missing a fatal strike, but the cut was deep enough to send him reeling. His massive form faltered, and he fell to one knee, clutching his side. Blood spilled out, staining his clothes, but he managed to keep his footing, barely.

Emilia, still leaning against the wall, was visibly shaken, her breath ragged as she fought to heal herself, her ice magic flickering and unstable in her shaky hands. Her eyes were locked on Rom as he collapsed, his blood staining the floor beneath him.

"Rom..." Her voice barely rose above a whisper, torn between helping him and protecting herself.

Rom, still conscious, managed to drag himself back to a standing position, grimacing from the pain. His wounds were severe, but he was far from finished. "Don't... worry about me, Tella," he said through gritted teeth, trying to keep his balance.

But it was clear: Elsa's relentless assault had taken its toll. We were all going to be fucked soon enough. 

Ok, what is taking Reinhard so long? i stalled for so fucking long. Shit, this is fuckign shity idea, but i have no options. At all.

I lunged forward, pushing past the pain in my... well, everything and the exhaustion trying to make me fall.

My dual blades slashed through the air, aiming directly for Elsa. My movements were swift, desperate, and I had to keep the pressure on her. If I could just keep her focused on me, it would give Emilia and Rom the space they needed to recover.

Elsa's gaze snapped back to me as my blades clashed with hers, the sound of metal ringing out in the air. For a moment, her grin faltered as she blocked my strikes, but the intensity in her eyes told me she wasn't done playing with me yet.

"You're a stubborn one," she purred, her voice dripping with amusement. "But fine, I'll reward your eagerness. Your guts will look so beautiful when split."

I gritted my teeth, trying to ignore the pain in my body. "I don't think that's true, so maybe don't", I joke, trying to ease the pain. What? It's how I cope.

Her dagger sliced through the air, and I barely dodged it, the edge of her blade grazing my cheek. The wound was shallow, but the sharp sting reminded me of just how close I was to losing it all.

At least for now, I had her attention again. But it wouldn't last forever.

And the playing around began again.

This time, though, it wasn't just a game for her. Every exchange felt heavier, more brutal. Each clash, each moment I barely dodged her blade, the injuries piled up. My body felt like it was on fire, my muscles screaming with every move. Elsa's movements were like a graceful dance, fluid and precise. It was as if she was enjoying every moment of it, savoring each strike as I was slowly shredded with every exchange.

My blades barely grazed her, if at all, while her daggers tore through my flesh like a hot knife through butter. Blood splattered across the floor, and the pain was almost too much to bear. Still, I couldn't stop. I had to keep moving, keep fighting, even if it was hopeless.

With each swing, Elsa seemed to glide just out of my reach, her smirk never faltering, her grace never slipping. Her strikes, on the other hand, were relentless—like a storm I couldn't weather. Her dagger slashed through my arm, and I barely managed to step back before she took another swipe at my side.

I was gasping for breath now, the world spinning slightly from the pain, my body growing slower with every passing second. She wasn't even breaking a sweat. The wounds were piling up on me, but Elsa remained untouched, her flawless form moving effortlessly as if she hadn't been fighting at all.

Then, my body could no longer keep up. It betrayed me. The exhaustion, the blood loss, the pain, it all caught up in a brutal wave. My legs gave out beneath me, and I stumbled backward, my knees buckling as I collapsed onto the cold, unforgiving floor.

The world around me seemed to blur, and all I could hear was the frantic pounding of my own heartbeat; it was all I could hear, the pounding all around me. My body felt like it was falling apart with each breath, the weight of my wounds dragging me further into the abyss. Elsa's form stood before me, untouched, as I struggled to even stay conscious.

She chuckled softly, her voice dripping with amusement. "You're so weak. It's almost disappointing. But I suppose this has been a treat."

I couldn't stop the tremor that ran through me. My hands, covered in blood and dirt, barely had the strength to push against the ground. I tried to crawl, to inch myself away from her, but every movement felt like I was sinking deeper into despair.

I wanted the pain to stop. I didn't want to die like this... helpless, useless. Every part of me screamed for release, but the only thing I could do was crawl, dragging myself through the dirt and dust. The thought of dying, of losing everything, weighed heavily on me.

And then, something inside me snapped. A shift I couldn't explain. My hand pressed against the ground, a strange energy pulsing beneath it. The earth cracked like shattered glass, and everything around my touch crumbled as if it were made of clay. The decay spread quickly, devouring the materials, consuming everything in its path.

Elsa noticed, too, but it was already too late. The destruction took root, and her legs began to weaken, her footing unstable as the effect spread to her. She stumbled, eyes widening in shock as she realized what was happening.

The decay spread faster and faster, consuming the building and everything around it. Walls crumbled, ceilings caved in, and the air was filled with the sound of destruction. It wasn't just the building—it was everything. The entire structure began to shake as if the very foundation couldn't withstand the force. The ground beneath us fractured, and everything began to collapse.

I could feel my body weakening, my consciousness fading, as I clung to the last shred of awareness. The floor beneath me gave way, the building caving in around us. I didn't have the strength to fight it anymore. I felt myself falling, the world spinning out of control.

And then, darkness.

---

(???)

The streets of the capital were unnervingly silent, save for the rapid patter of Felt's footsteps ahead. Reinhard, ever vigilant, followed her at a distance, his instincts telling him something was amiss. The air was thick, charged with a tension he couldn't quite place. It wasn't like the usual chaos of the city; no, this was different. There was something more… foreboding.

Felt was moving quickly, her pace frantic, but her words echoed in Reinhard's mind.

"A 'black-haired bitch' trying to kill me... I need help, Reinhard! There are others still fighting!"

It was after he had heard her call for help as she ran through the streets, and as a knight, he couldn't leave this distressed citizen without helping. 

Still, even as he sprinted after her, there was a gnawing feeling in his chest. Something more profound than the usual call to arms. The feeling was like a warning, like an unseen danger lurking just beyond his reach.

Was it his sense of duty making him ignore it, or was it something else?

His hand instinctively gripped the hilt of his sword. He wasn't one to back down from a challenge, especially not when those in need called upon him. But that nagging feeling didn't go away. It only grew stronger the closer he got to the scene Felt had described. Something was pulling him in two different directions: the need to protect and the instinct to avoid whatever was ahead.

As they rounded the corner into the ruined district, the scent of dust and burning wood filled the air. The destruction was visible before he even saw the source. Buildings had been torn apart, pieces of stone and timber littering the streets. But what caught his attention the most was the smell of decay that lingered in the air.

Reinhard's brow furrowed as he surveyed the scene. "What happened here?" he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible. "Who could have—"

Before he could finish his thought, a sharp, unsettling sensation crawled up his spine, making his skin prickle. His grip on his sword tightened instinctively. Then, the very blade he carried, Ried, the dragon sword—his sword—had reacted as well. The ancient weapon, usually so calm and steadfast, seemed to stir in his hand, almost eager. Just like his instincts.

It wasn't just a whisper of a sensation either. No, it was something far more intense. The sword recognized something in the air, something or someone, worthy of its edge. Reinhard's heart skipped a beat, and he instinctively took a step back, eyes darting around the wreckage.

But the feeling didn't last. It came, intense and urgent, then dissipated as quickly as it arrived, leaving Reinhard with nothing but an unsettling emptiness.

The threat… it was gone.

But the lingering unease remained, gnawing at the pit of his stomach. Something was wrong here, far beyond just the destruction around him.

 Reinhard couldn't make sense of it—there was no immediate threat that warranted the blade's sudden stirring. But whatever it was, it was enough to make his caution grow even more. "What... what was that?" he wondered to himself.

Felt's face was now in horror, as she looked at the scene, "W-what happened!? R-rom?" her voice was quivering as she rushed forward, towards the destroyed building.

Reinhard's eyes sharpened as he saw the panic on Felt's face. His instincts flared as he moved to block her path, his hand gently but firmly on her shoulder.

"please, wait, miss." he said, his voice calm but urgent. "We need to stay focused. Rushing in there might not be the best idea. The enemy might still be nearby."

But Felt, her breath quickening and chest heaving with every frantic step she tried to take, wasn't listening. "No!" she shouted, her voice cracked with desperation. "I have to find him. I have to find Rom! Please, you don't understand! He could—he could still be-"

Her voice broke off as she stumbled toward the wreckage. But deep down, he had a feeling that all those inside the destroyed building, including the surrounding buildings. They were completely devoid of all life.

Chapter Text

Light… I could see again.

The world swam around me, colours smeared like oil on water, and sound hit like muffled static. My lungs seized. Every nerve screamed.

I was back.

"…what… if some… thing goes wrong…?" Emilia's voice drifted in like a whisper underwater, soft and uncertain. "…don't want… caught off…"

I blinked hard, dragging myself back to the present. Her silhouette was in front of me, talking, unaware of my inner turmoil. 

i had died, but I am not dead. meaning, I had RBD but... my mind wasn't the most rational at the moment to dwell on that.

Everything was too loud and too quiet at once. My fingertips trembled against the table. Phantom pain pulsed through my ribs. My last breath - ragged and wet - still lingered in my throat like the taste of rot.

The chair creaked as I shifted slightly. I swallowed. It burned.

She was still speaking. Her lips moved, anxious and fidgeting. I caught something about "doing nothing" and "Felt," but my brain refused to glue the pieces together.

I heaved.

My body jerked forward in the chair as I dry-heaved hard enough to rattle my spine. Nothing came up - thank whatever cruel god for that - but the sensation was enough to make my eyes water and my throat burn. My ribs throbbed with a phantom ache, like the bones themselves remembered how they'd shattered.

God. Damn. That hurt.

I buried my face in my hands, dragging my fingers down slowly. I needed a second. Just a second, just a second, just a single second.

"Ar… ...u... ...ay?" Emilia asked softly. Too softly. softly, soft... soft.

a second, just a second. I just need a second. Too loud, too much, please stop it. I need... time...

the sharp inhale of my own breath was all I could hear, her words even more distant than before. my heart, pounding, all over my body. 

My mind was crawling. Screaming. Reality had finished stitching itself back together, but my mind couldn't keep up, still clawing behind.

I could still feel the cold edge of death clinging to my spine. The coldness… it was cold. Cold. Cold.

I need - please stop it. Stop. Stop. How do I stop it? How?

Yes. I need. To stop it. I... stop it.

Without thinking, my body moved.

My head slammed forward, colliding with the table.

Crack.

A jolt surged through my skull, sharp and grounding. Pain flared, but it was clean. Real. I latched onto it like a lifeline. The cold peeled away from the edges of my mind. The static cleared. I could hear again. I could breathe.

I was back.

The sting along my forehead throbbed dully, but it was fine. Nothing compared to...The cold.

Cold…

I let out a sigh, slinking back into my chair like a ragdoll tossed onto cushions. "That was not pleasant…"

"Shiro!"

Emilia's voice now hit me more sharper and clearer than before. her voice frantic with Worry, lacing her tone like tangled thread, and when I looked at her, her face said the rest. Wide eyes, pale lips, frozen between concern and fear. maybe even guilt, the thought that she might have caused this, being a fleeting thought in her mind.

"Yeah? Ah, right." I blinked slowly, then gave her the best half-smile I could fake with a migraine splitting my soul. "Sorry for that. Just got… triggered, that's all. Some unpleasant memories came up. No need for you to worry about it."

I waved a hand like I was swatting a fly, eyes drifting to the wall.

"Just me and my fucked-up problems... I think I need some time alone." I muttered at the end, not intending for her to hear.

But she did anyway.

Her expression shifted, decisive now. Her gaze flicked between me and the door, the worry still etched across her face like a lingering bruise.

I, on the other hand, was trying to remember when I was. as it was quite important to Keep things close to the original flow, fewer inconsistencies, meaning the previous timeline will happen, but I'll be more prepared ig.

I let out a shaky breath, right, the, um. right. I was encouraging her to go outside and scout out. I should do that again, will give me some time alone too. fuuck, Im already so tired.

"Hey, Tella," I said, tone a little lighter now, "don't worry about me or anything, alright? Just be confident, and it'll all go smoothly. You need fresh air and some alone time - same as me."

I gave her the most reassuring smile I could manage with a migraine and post-death whiplash.

"You'll be fine if you go out. I promise, scout out, and wait outside, you'll be my backup for when things go south."

Emilia hesitated. Her eyes searched mine, trying to piece together something she didn't have all the puzzle pieces for. but stopped, as she realised that she shouldn't pry. it wasn't like we were friends or anything, why would anyone would be friends with her?

(but its an anime, so relationships progression go reaaal fast, right until the word love comes into play. but friendship is not apart of that.)

She gave a slow nod. "Sure… sounds good. I'll make sure not to disappoint."

There was a small, unsure smile on her lips, the kind people give when they're forcing themselves to believe something for your sake.

Then she turned and stepped toward the door.

Freedom.Silence.i slupt into the chair fully, fucking tired of any type of social interactions. At heart, I am mostly an introvert; I like to be alone when I feel most in control. people don't butt in, you don't have to play mind games as to not hurt feelings, its just you, and what ever hobby you do.

And guess what? Resting was a hobby, too.

...

...

...

I really do have RBD, huh? Well, that's the greatest news I've ever had since getting here. A quiet laugh escaped me. Phew. This makes everything sooo much easier. I got infinite retries, so i can afford to be a little less self-preservationisting and a little more risk-taking, if it gets the best results. but...

I shivered, hugging myself, head dropping into my hands. The coldness from before crept back into my mind, lingering at the edges of my thoughts.

i really  hate dying, hurts a fuck ton, and feels shitty. Maybe if it's a quick one, then I'll be fine with it, but.

A flash of memories hit me, too fast. Too sharp.

I shook my head violently. No. NO, no, no, no, no, stop thinking about it. Don't go there. Nothing gets done if you do.

I felt my body relax slowly, the tension draining from me. My breath came out in a long, exhausted sigh, as i mentally let it all out. Fuuuuuuuuuuuck, this situation just suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuucks.

Chapter Text

"Hey! Gramps, I'm back!"

The door slammed open with all the subtlety of a thunderclap, and in walked Felt

"Sorry I took so long," she said, tossing her blonde hair over one shoulder like she hadn't just made the entire room flinch. "She was way more persistent than I expected. Took a bit to shake 'em."

her words, giving the me the strongest feeling of deja vu, which in this case, would be entirely correct... as It did happen before.

She casually strolled over to the counter table and dropped into the nearest chair. Rom, unfazed, handed her a cup of milk as if it were business as usual.

She took one sip and immediately grimaced. "Did ya dilute this with water or somethin'? 'Cause something's off. Pretty nasty, if you ask me."

She lifted the cup up near Rom's face, like she was presenting it as evidence of a crime.

"I made that with the kindness in my heart, and you call it gross?" Rom grumbled, reaching over to ruffle her hair with a big, calloused hand.

Felt squawked in protest, swatting at him half-heartedly. "Stooop it, old man! I'm not a kid anymore!" she huffed, though the smile tugging at her lips made it clear she didn't really mind.

"Watching all this does make a girl feel kinda lonely, y'know?" I drawled from the corner I'd been curled up in.

Felt jumped nearly a foot in the air, her hand flying to her chest. "—Shit! How long were you there?!" she barked, wide-eyed. "Don't just sit in the shadows like some damn ghost!"

"Why nooooot?" I stretched the word out with lazy amusement, leaning back in my seat like I hadn't just watched her soul leave her body for a second.

With the knowledge that I had RBD and that I won't be making the transaction at all, I can just throw everything out the window and make it fun for myself in the process.

So long as I kept the progression ticking toward the right ending, everything else was fair game. Might as well make it fun.

"Being a ghost sounds fun if that's the kinda reaction I get," I added with a smug grin. "Also, it ain't myyyyy~ fault you've got the perception of a brick. Heh. You were scared, riiiiight?"

Felt scowled, cheeks puffed slightly with a mix of irritation and embarrassment.

She crossed her arms, trying and failing to look composed. "Tch - scared? As if. I just didn't expect some creep to be lurking in the damn corner like a haunted doll!"

She shot me a glare, then glanced away with a flustered huff. "Ugh. You're weird."

But the redness creeping up her ears told a different story.

"awwww. How cute," I said, getting up and walking over to them. "You're embarrassed~" I dragged on my words, before coughing "but enough of that. Let's have a little chat. The name's Belova, and what's your name, miss... too good for milk made with rom's love." I smiled sweetly, composing myself not to laugh, and thankfully being successful at it.

Felt clicked her tongue and looked away, trying to act unimpressed. "Felt," she muttered, arms still crossed like a sulking cat. "And I ain't embarrassed. You're just annoying."

Rom let out a low chuckle from behind the counter, clearly entertained.

"Felt, huh?" I said, leaning on the table just enough to be casual, but still keep a little edge. "Fitting name for someone with such sensitive reactions."

She whipped her head toward me, glaring. "Tch, keep talking like that and you'll be feeling a fist in your face!"

"But what if I want you to do that? What if I want you to try? Will you still try it?" I grinned. man... being a dick. irl, is soo much better than being toxic online. being an asshole, is the best.

Felt reeled back, eyebrows shooting up as if I'd just slapped her with a fish. "What the hell is wrong with you?!"

Rom let out another deep chuckle, clearly not planning to intervene.

I grinned wider, leaning in just enough to be irritating but not threatening. "C'mon, don't be shy now. Let it out. Throw a punch, bite me, call me names—let's make this fun."

She blinked like I'd short-circuited her brain for a second, then hissed through her teeth, flustered and obviously unsure if she should be mad or just confused. "You are so weird."

"Thanks. I pride myself on my consistency," I said, hands on my hips like I just won a medal for Most Mentally Unhinged Newcomer.

"Rom," Felt muttered, turning to the old man like he could save her. "You sure this one's not gonna burn the place down?"

Rom shrugged, eyes twinkling. "We'll find out."

"Oh ho ho, such pressure... does that mean I should? oooor?"

Felt's eyes widened slightly, clearly trying to gauge if I was serious or just messing around. "Don't even think about it," she warned, her hand twitching toward her side, like she was ready to pull something out.

Rom's gaze shifted toward me with a small, knowing smirk. "That was not an invitation to burn the place down, the opposite, actually," he said slowly, his voice calm but with that twinkle of amusement.

"Oooh, of course. Such sadness. I guess I don't get to burn the place down..." I dropped my gaze, letting my voice trail off, but this time, all I got were stares. "Tough crowd?" I muttered, glancing up only to be met with a glare from Felt. She opened her mouth, but I cut her off before she could get a word out.

"Fine, fine. I'll get to the point of why I'm here. You got the insignia, right?" I said casually, leaning back in my chair.

The shift was immediate. Felt paused, caught off guard by the abrupt change in tone. Her gaze narrowed, her mind immediately starting to churn. Was I sent by the contractor, too? Was I here to collect? But that thought quickly slipped away. No, it couldn't be. She wouldn't want to stay off of it, she would be coming, so no. Still, the question lingered in Felt's mind.

how the fuck did I know about the insignia? and that it was stolen, and that it was now currently in the red-eyed loli's hands.

"Yes...?" She said cautiously, her wariness creeping into her voice. "I do. How do you know I have it?"

I shrugged, the motion slow and easy, my grin not leaving my face. "You just told me? Didn't ya?" I said teasingly, without the light reaching my eyes, showing that I may say it like I'm joking, but what I said was the answer, and not just a joke.

Felt's eyes narrowed in suspicion, but there was a flicker of realisation too. She was starting to put the pieces together, even if she wasn't quite sure how I knew. "Tch, you're one weird girl," she muttered under her breath, though her fingers didn't stray too far from the insignia.

I leaned forward a little, still watching her closely. "Weird, huh? Maybe. But you gotta admit, I've got your attention now. That counts for something, right?"

Felt didn't answer right away, still chewing over my words, her mind clearly working overtime. After a moment, she shifted in her seat, clearly more cautious but intrigued nonetheless. "Fine. You know about the insignia. What now?"

I tilted my head slightly, considering her question. "Hmm? That's the question for everything, isn't it? What to do... so many choices, so many paths. But I believe you're more interested in waiting for your client, riiiiiight?"

I let the word "right" stretch out. My hands were under my chin, supporting it upright, as I leaned on the table. my gaze fixed on her. The subtle jab, the way I dragged it on, was meant to make her uneasy, to make her think. I could almost see the gears in her mind turning, as she tried to figure out just how much I knew.

She froze for a second, her expression faltering. "How... how did you know that I was contracted to steal it? No one other than me, the contractor, and her should've known. So ho—"

I cut her off smoothly, with a lazy shrug. "Ah, but I do know. I know a lot of things. Things that some of the strongest don't even know yet." I let that hang in the air for a moment before adding, almost casually, "But I'm getting sidetracked. The question isn't how I know, it's... how do you deal with something you can't disclose?"

Her brow furrowed in confusion, but I wasn't done. "Do riddle me this, though—if the future were the past, and all those who knew were... bound by it... Wouldn't you, in turn, try to disclose?"

Yeah, I was testing the waters to see what triggers Sattela's heart groppers. it seems speaking in riddles to the power of 3 works well enough, but I'd say it isn't a viable option as

Felt blinked, her mind clearly struggling to make sense of my cryptic words. "What the fuck does that even mean??"

It's pretty hard for most to understand a single bit about it.

"Yes, what does it mean indeed. think of it as a game, a game that can be tried as many times as you can..." I paused, waiting to see if I would be touched by the yandere's invisible grip, but no hands came. So I continued, "If the events in said game are so awful that even the most bloodthirsty would be revolted. Wouldn't you try to inform the masses about the horrors to come?"

The question hung between us, the weight of it almost tangible.

Felt stared at me, the confusion still written across her face. After a beat, she spoke again, clearly trying to make sense of it all. "I... I still don't get it. What the hell are you talking about?" She glanced at Rom, as if hoping for some clarity, but the old man was just as lost as she was.

Rom rubbed his chin, looking at me with a puzzled expression. "I can't say I follow, either. You speak in circles."

I shrugged nonchalantly, leaning back in my chair, letting the silence linger for a moment longer. "I guess we all need a little time, or I suppose you 2 do. Now, a little friendly advice from one who knows to one who doesn't. Be careful, as in the next half hour, your deaths may come. But don't worry, I'll try my best so it won't happen... hopefully. But anyway, don't worry too much about it."

Rom's eyes sharpened slightly at my words, his hand still on his chin as he processed what I had just said. Felt, on the other hand, blinked rapidly, her confusion evident. "What? Are you trying to threaten me or something?" she asked, clearly thrown off balance by my cryptic statement. "Or... wait, you're just playing with us, aren't you?"

I gave a lazy shrug, my words trailing off as I lost interest in the whole riddling game. "Maybe, or maybe not. Who knows? Seeing your cute face twist through emotions is endlessly entertaining. But whatever, just take it at face value."

Halfway through speaking, the formal tone began to annoy me, so I dropped it. "Be careful. There's a black bi—"

A sudden bang behind me cut me off, and I whipped my head around, eyes narrowing. coming into view, came... the black bitch.

well damn, did i fucking summon her or something

I paused for a moment, then let out a breath. "Never mind then. It seems your buyer is already here."

Walking through the door, stood Elsa. In her usual attire. "My my, there's someone else wanting to buy?" she asked mildly, commenting on what I had said. 

She walked up to the table and took a seat. "I know the older fellow, but I don't recognise this young girl, care to enlighten me?"

I leaned back in my chair, resting my chin on my hand, and gave Elsa a calm, unbothered smile. "I'm known by many names… all of them Shiro. Nice to meet ch'ya. I gave a quick look around, noticing Rom's expression shifting, as he realised that one of my names was fake, either Shiro or Belova. But before he could voice them, I winked, which made him pause, and relented.

Elsa, on the other hand, seemed delighted, albeit slightly confused. Her eyes were filled with intrigue as she grabbed her glass, "Mysterious. I do like a girl with secrets." (to crack open, figuratively, and literally. but not the sexy kind.) Her expression gained a slight change, and she took a swig of her milk, licking her lips off of the white residue. (no, not cocaine)

Hah, she is so going to kill us all, doesn't matter what I do, so might as well have a little fun before the fight starts. 

My fingers drifted toward my stomach, brushing over the fabric lightly as unease bloomed in my gut. Just being in the same room as her felt… wrong. disgust... that's the word. i disliked being with her, she just gives me the feeling of disgust.

Tilting my head, I allowed a small smile to play at my lips. "Care to tell me your name? It'd make things a lot easier. Or… would you rather I call you Blacky?" I let the words hang in the air, watching her carefully.

Elsa's gaze flicked over to me, a smile tugging at her lips, though her eyes held something sharper, and hungry "Blacky, huh?" she murmured, letting the name roll off her tongue. "You have a way with words, Shiro."

Her voice was smooth, almost syrupy, but I could hear the underlying edge in her tone. "My name is Elsa," she added.

"OK, ok, now," Felt said, giving a gesture with her hands, with an impatient tone. "If everyone's properly acquainted, can we get down to the sale?"

Elsa and I, glanced over to where Felt stood, before the gaze fell back to before. while Rom was rubbing his forehead with a grimace. 

"I already made you an offer," Elsa said carelessly, her tone almost dismissive. "Ten gold pieces for the trinket."

Felt nodded before turning her attention to me, her finger pointing in my direction. "Now, you, since you want to buy it now, for some reason. How much are you willing to put down?"

"Well, right now, I'm willing to put down 19 gold pieces," I said with a smirk, before leaning back. but not before giving Elsa a wink.

yep, I am bluffing, but it's not like I will need to actually give it over, but funny thing is, I am betting, one less than the most she has.

Felt's eyes glittered with greed, but she swung her attention back to Elsa. "And how about you?"

"My employer gave me extra to sweeten the deal, so 20 holy coins. just enough to beat you out," she said casually, With light smugness attached.

i raised an eyebrow, with my fingers curling in front of my chin, and grabbing hold, slight mock shock on my face. "20 holy coins, wow. 1 whole coin over my bid. How mean..."

I leaned forward slightly, my gaze fixed on Elsa as I tapped my fingers on the table. "Well, I suppose I'll just have to dish out a bit more then, won't I?" I paused for effect, enjoying the tension building. "Hmm... 25 holy coins sounds just right."

Elsa stiffened ever so slightly. Her eyes flicked back to me, a subtle crease forming between her brows. She hadn't expected that. After all, why would I open with nineteen if i wasn't close to tapped out? A normal person would've gone with fifteen or jumped to twenty, maybe even Eleven. But nineteen? It was such a deliberate number, it should've been a tell… and yet we'd just met. There was no way she could've anticipated that I'd only have 20.

Felt's eyes widened, her mouth parting in a small gasp before she quickly cleared her throat and leaned in, excitement gleaming in her gaze. "Damn, didn't think you had that much. Well, looks like she's got you beat, Elsa. Or do you have anything else to throw in?"

Elsa offered a half-smile, casual "My my. Unfortunately, my employer only gave me exactly twenty coins for the job." She gave a soft shrug, lifting her hands slightly. "So that's all I've got," and indifferent to the loss.

A quick glance at Rom, and I noticed the faint crease in his brow—he was thinking. Probably putting together that Elsa's apathy wasn't right. Not enough to act on yet. He's sharper than I expected. tho, it makes sense, I guess. He was a war vet, right? General in the demi-human war or something? Eh—whatever. Not important right now.

"Oh," Felt said, clearly disappointed.

I snorted. "Pfft."

Her head whipped toward me. "Hey, what're you laughing at?"

I held up my hands. "Nothing, nothing." She narrowed her eyes but let it go.

"Weird… never mind." She turned back, hands diving into her pocket. "Well, I guess you won it, Shiro."

She was just about to pull out the insignia when,

"But there's one question I'd like to ask you," Elsa interjected.

Felt paused, slipping the trinket back into her pocket, clearly hoping this might drive the price up again.

"Yeah? What is it?" she asked.

Elsa's gaze turned back to me. "What do you want to do with the insignia?"

i blinked... before realising she was talking to me, not felt. why on earth would you look at her then? 

"Well, hmm. I guess I could tell you," I said, giving her a lazy smile. "See, my boss wants it. Really wants it. So much so that she told me to come and get it or die trying. But funny thing is… she never actually told me why. Not a single reason."

Elsa tilted her head. "And does your boss have a name?"

"She does," I said smoothly, "but I assume you're smart enough to guess she'd rather it stayed... confidential."

"You know," I added, letting my voice drop a little, "knowledge is power. She'd be horribly upset if I just gave away her name for nothing."

"Oh? Really?" Elsa's voice was teasing now.

"Yes, but... maybe I'd let it slip for something worthwhile. Something good enough that I won't end up a butchered corpse by the end of the week. But only if you're willing."

Elsa's eyes glittered. "And what did you have in mind?"

"Well, your employer must be curious about who else is after the elf girl, right? Mine sure is. So how about a trade? Employer for employer. Sounds fair, doesn't it?"

Any competent assassin or agent worth their salt would never give away that kind of information, anything about them selves would just become a liability. as that could easily get spread, and could offer more harm then good in the end, but... that all becomes negligible, if the opposing, doesn't let it get out the room. while reaping just the benefits.

Elsa's smile widened. "I'm a member of a guild of assassins out of Gusteko that fulfil contracts almost all over the world. I work for Mother, as she's the one who sent me to buy the trinket," Elsa said.

Rom's reaction was instant. He stepped back from the table, hand gripping Felt's shoulder as he pulled her away with him, calm but firm.

"Oh my?" i murmured, clearly enjoying this exchange, this little roleplay, with only i playing the game. "Then I suppose you'd also know who contracted the job, right?"

Felt blinked up at her grandfather in confusion as he continued to inch her away, unaware of the danger she was being quietly steered from.

Elsa gave a slow shake of her head, still smiling. "Capella assigned the mission, but I can't tell you who hired her. That would break protocol."

She glanced back at me. "Sorry for that. Now, how about you?"

I gave a soft sigh and leaned back.

"Well, I guess that's it then. Sorry, but I won't be giving that info up after all"

"huh?"

Chapter Text

Walking through the door, stood Elsa. In her usual attire. "My, is there someone else wanting to buy?" she asked mildly, commenting on what I had said. 

She walked up to the table and took a seat. "I know the older fellow, but I don't recognise this young girl, care to enlighten me?"

I leaned back in my chair, resting my chin on my hand, and gave Elsa a calm, unbothered smile. "I'm known by many names… all of them Shiro. Nice to meet ch'ya. i gave a quick look around, noticing Rom's expression shifting, as he realised that one of my names was fake, either Shiro or Belova. But before he could voice them, I winked, which made him pause, and relented.

Elsa, on the other hand, seemed delighted. Her eyes sparkled with intrigue as she grabbed her glass, "Mysterious. I do like a girl with secrets." (to crack open, figuratively, and literally. but not the sexy kind.) Her expression gained a slight change, and she took a swig of her milk, licking her lips off of the white residue. (no, not cocaine)

Hah, she is so going to kill us all, doesn't matter what I do, so might as well have a little fun before the fight starts. 

My fingers drifted toward my stomach, brushing over the fabric lightly as unease bloomed in my gut. Just being in the same room as her felt… wrong. disgust... that's the word. i disliked being with her, she just gives me the feeling of disgust.

Tilting my head, I allowed a small smile to play at my lips. "Care to tell me your name? It'd make things a lot easier. Or… would you rather I call you Blacky?" I let the words hang in the air, watching her carefully.

Elsa's gaze flicked over to me, a smile tugging at her lips, though her eyes held something sharper, and hungry "Blacky, huh?" she murmured, letting the name roll off her tongue. "You have a way with words, Shiro."

Her voice was smooth, almost syrupy, but I could hear the underlying edge in her tone. "My name is Elsa," she added.

"OK, ok, now," Felt said, giving a gesture with her hands, with an impatient tone. "If everyone's properly acquainted, can we get down to the sale?"

Elsa and I, glanced over to where Felt stood, before the gaze fell back to before. while Rom was rubbing his forehead with a grimace. 

"I already made you an offer," Elsa said carelessly, her tone almost dismissive. "Ten gold pieces for the trinket."

Felt nodded before turning her attention to me, her finger pointing in my direction. "Now, you, since you want to buy it now, for some reason. How much are you willing to put down?"

"Well, right now, I'm willing to put down 19 gold pieces," I said with a smirk, before leaning back. But not before giving Elsa a wink.

yep, I am bluffing, but it's not like I will need to actually give it over, but funny thing is, I am betting, one less than the most she has.

Felt's eyes glittered with greed, but she swung her attention back to Elsa. "And how about you?"

"My employer gave me extra to sweeten the deal, so 20 holy coins. just enough to beat you out," she said casually, With light smugness attached.

i raised an eyebrow, with my fingers curling in front of my chin, and grabbing hold, slight mock shock on my face. "20 holy coins, wow. 1 whole coin over my bid. How mean..."

I leaned forward slightly, my gaze fixed on Elsa as I tapped my fingers on the table. "Well, I suppose I'll just have to dish out a bit more then, won't I?" I paused for effect, enjoying the tension building. "Hmm... 25 holy coins sounds just right."

Elsa stiffened ever so slightly. Her eyes flicked back to me, a subtle crease forming between her brows. She hadn't expected that. After all, why would I open with nineteen if i wasn't close to tapped out? A normal person would've gone with fifteen or jumped to twenty, maybe even Eleven. But nineteen? It was such a deliberate number, it should've been a tell… and yet we'd just met. There was no way she could've anticipated that I'd only have 20.

Felt's eyes widened, her mouth parting in a small gasp before she quickly cleared her throat and leaned in, excitement gleaming in her gaze. "Damn, didn't think you had that much. Well, looks like she's got you beat, Elsa. Or do you have anything else to throw in?"

Elsa offered a half-smile, casual "My my. Unfortunately, my employer only gave me exactly twenty coins for the job." She gave a soft shrug, lifting her hands slightly. "So that's all I've got," and indifferent to the loss.

A quick glance at Rom, and I noticed the faint crease in his brow—he was thinking. Probably putting together that Elsa's apathy wasn't right. Not enough to act on yet. He's sharper than I expected. though, it makes sense, I guess. He was a war vet, right? General in the demi-human war or something? Eh—whatever. Not important right now.

"Oh," Felt said, clearly disappointed.

I snorted. "Pfft."

Her head whipped toward me. "Hey, what're you laughing at?"

I held up my hands. "Nothing, nothing." She narrowed her eyes but let it go.

"Weird… never mind." She turned back, hands diving into her pocket. "Well, I guess you won it, Shiro."

She was just about to pull out the insignia when,

"But there's one question I'd like to ask you," Elsa interjected.

Felt paused, slipping the trinket back into her pocket, clearly hoping this might drive the price up again.

"Yeah? What is it?" she asked.

Elsa's gaze turned back to me. "What do you want to do with the insignia?"

i blinked... before realising she was talking to me, not felt. why on earth would you look at her then? 

"Well, hmm. I guess I could tell you," I said, giving her a lazy smile. "See, my boss wants it. Really wants it. So much so that she told me to come and get it or die trying. But funny thing is… she never actually told me why. Not a single reason."

Elsa tilted her head. "And does your boss have a name?"

"She does," I said smoothly, "but I assume you're smart enough to guess she'd rather it stayed... confidential."

"You know," I added, letting my voice drop a little, "knowledge is power. She'd be horribly upset if I just gave away her name for nothing."

"Oh? Really?" Elsa's voice was teasing now.

"Yes, but... maybe I'd let it slip for something worthwhile. Something good enough that I won't end up a butchered corpse by the end of the week. But only if you're willing."

Elsa's eyes glittered. "And what did you have in mind?"

"Well, your employer must be curious about who else is after the elf girl, right? Mine sure is. So how about a trade? Employer for employer. Sounds fair, doesn't it?"

Any competent assassin or agent worth their salt would never give away that kind of information, anything about them selves would just become a liability. as that could easily get spread, and could offer more harm then good in the end, but... that all becomes negligible, if the opposing, doesn't let it get out the room. while reaping just the benefits.

Elsa's smile widened. "I'm a member of a guild of assassins out of Gusteko that fulfill contracts almost all over the world. I work for Mother, as she's the one who sent me to buy the trinket," Elsa said.

Rom's reaction was instant. He stepped back from the table, hand gripping Felt's shoulder as he pulled her away with him, calm but firm.

"Oh my?" i murmured, clearly enjoying this exchange, this little roleplay, with only i playing the game. "Then I suppose you'd also know who contracted the job, right?"

Felt blinked up at her grandfather in confusion as he continued to inch her away, unaware of the danger she was being quietly steered from.

Elsa gave a slow shake of her head, still smiling. "Capella assigned the mission, but I can't tell you who hired her. That would break protocol."

She glanced back at me. "Sorry for that. Now, how about you?"

I gave a soft sigh and leaned back.

"Well, I guess that's it then. Sorry, but I won't be giving that info up after all"

.

.

.

"huh...?"

Elsa's momentum was momentarily stunned by the straight-up refusal, but she quickly regained her composure, the surprise vanishing behind a thin smile. "Really? And why is that? I thought we had a deal~"

Her voice had that syrupy lilt again, smooth and pleasant but laced with something bitter underneath.

"Well, it's because of your intentions afterwards. Usually in these situations, private information is delivered, you know, in private, but you just told the entire room about it. And you don't seem to care, not one bit about it, even if a random person has this knowledge. Soooo, there is only one conclusion we can get from this, isn't that right, Rom? Care to tell us?" I tilted my head, giving off a smile, as I gestured to the giant.

Rom didn't answer right away. His gaze was fixed on Elsa, brows furrowing deeper as his mind worked it out. "...You don't plan on letting anyone leave this room alive," Rom finally said.

He pulled Felt closer, inching the two of them toward the doorway, away from Elsa."That's why you didn't care about revealing who you work for. You were never planning on walking away quietly. You were just going to clean up afterwards, making sure no one could talk ever again."

I gave a confident smile, "Well done, Rom, now... with that out of the way. what are you going to say, miss little blacky?" I said teasingly, a tone not fit for the situation I'm in... but with infinite retries, there isn't much reason to worry.

Elsa let out a soft, amused sigh. "You're very clever. Quite clever indeed," she said, genuinely impressed, not even a hint of irritation in her voice."You knew for most of the conversation too~ I realise that now, but. I was hoping you'd just tell me what I wanted to know. I could've tortured it out of you later, but I really don't like being distracted by little things like 'Did they ever actually answer my questions?' Too bad. I'll have to go through it the hard way."

She shifted her weight slightly, the glint of her blade now fully visible. A subtle but natural motion.

"Still," she continued, smile widening, "I do have a job to finish."

Rom stepped further back, positioning Felt behind him fully now, his hand reaching under the table, grabbing his weapon.

Well, I guess we're getting started then. how sad, I wanted to fuck around some more... guess i- oh... My thoughts halted mid-track as something flickered past the window. A flash of long, flowing white hair. 

"Hey... could you wait for a moment?" I asked casually, stepping slightly between Elsa and the others. "I feel like this all got off on the wrong foot. So, how about I introduce a friend of mine? Meet—"

The door slammed open with a loud crack, splinters flying as wood groaned under the force of impact.

Elsa's gaze snapped toward it instantly, her body shifting with predator-like readiness, heavily on guard. blade raising just an inch, enough to kill if needed.

Standing in the doorway, framed by the fading glow of evening light, was a girl with silver hair cascading down like a waterfall and pointed ears peeking through the strands. Her violet eyes swept the room cautiously... then locked onto the black bit- Elsa...

It was best girl. Emilia. (To some, atleast. To others, the main reason their blood pressure spiked during season two, as in the wise words of Subaru, "Hah, I do love waking up to the sounds of someone else suffering.")

"...Emilia," I finished, smiling.

Without a word, she raised her hand, ice crystals forming in the air with a sharp hum, aimed straight at Elsa.

"Stay where you are," she warned, calm but firm. "Or I'll stop you myself."

Floating in behind her, a tiny -, but don't tell him that, or he will put me in the meat grinder - white cat spirit lazily spun through the air, arms crossed like he owned the place. "You'd better listen to my daughter, or else." His voice was smug as more crystals shimmered into existence around them.

Elsa didn't move at first, but the air around her pulled taut, like a blade just before it swings. "I see," she murmured, glancing between Emilia and me. Then she started to laugh.

"That's amazing! You were lying to me the entire time, and I never even caught on! How delightful. I can't wait to see what colour your guts are!" Her voice dripped with excitement as she drew another dagger from her waist, twin blades now glinting in the fading light.

Then, she vanished.

The wind stirred violently as she launched forward, aiming straight for the father-daughter pair, but before she could get close, the floating ice crystals fired off in rapid succession like icy missiles.

She weaved through them gracefully, twisting in midair. One step landed her sideways on the wall, the next launching her to the opposite one. She zigzagged like a blur, narrowly avoiding the onslaught of magic.

She came down in a deadly arc, blades raised for a killing strike—only to slam into a thick wall of ice.

"Let me give you a heads up," the floating cat said coldly, all smugness gone from his face. His tone dropped into something dangerous. "Threatening my daughter? That's a really bad idea. And I don't let people get away with bad ideas."

Elsa gritted her teeth as her strike bounced off the shield. But before she could pivot

Rom roared, swinging his massive club in from the side. She twisted midair, barely avoiding a direct hit, and sliced into the weapon with a clean, effortless swipe. The thick wood split almost cleanly, and Rom staggered back, eyes wide.

"Tch. She's fast," Rom growled, gripping the broken handle.

Without a weapon, he backed off a few steps, his eyes scanning the room. His gaze flicked toward the walls, where all kinds of items (most of them stolen) were displayed. Among the clutter, a few weapons caught his eye, faintly under the dim light. He bolted toward them.

Meanwhile, Elsa crouched low again, blades drawn, gaze flicking over me. I readied myself, weapon in hand, eyes tracking every twitch of her muscles, every subtle shift in posture. I was ready to intercept.

Then I saw it,

A slight adjustment in her stance.

Shit.

She wasn't aiming for me.

I realised it just a second too late. Her real target wasn't the yapper (me), but it was Felt instead.

Why? Fuck if I knew. But Felt wasn't fully on guard. She'd relaxed slightly, tucked behind Rom and me, out of direct focus.

"Felt, watch ou-" fuck

Too late. Elsa blurred - vanishing from her crouch and launching like a bullet.Without her locked onto me, it was harder to read her exact movement. Harder to intercept. The advantage of prediction died with that shift in focus.

Felt blinked in surprise, eyes wide, and by the time she even registered danger, Elsa was already bouncing off the wall, fangs bared, careening toward her like a black meteor.

Overwhelming shock and fear froze her in place as twin blades sliced the air toward her neck with terrifying precision.

Time slowed. My thoughts raced.

No time for a perfect plan.

I launched forward, pivoting off instinct, and with all my strength, I hurled one of my blades at where Elsa's head would be just a second later.

The blade spun through the air with pinpoint precision, a silver streak flying toward Elsa's skull.

She caught it in the corner of her eye, and her gaze widened, but just barely. Even if it may not kill her, it will definitely put her out of commission for a bit. 

So she changed course.

Her trajectory warped mid-air, and the twin blades meant for Felt's neck veered sideways with a screech of metal. With a sharp twist, she brought one up, intercepting my flying weapon in a burst of sparks, steel-on-steel.

The force of the deflection and her already weak stance knocked her off balance. She landed hard, boots skidding across the wooden floor, carving deep gouges as she struggled to regain footing.

WACK!

A chunk of ice in the shape of a crystal, roughly the size of a melon, slammed into her side with a brutal crack, smashing her clean into the wall. The impact was loud enough to rattle the shelves, leaving a spiderweb of cracks in the stone behind her.

Floating just above Emilia's shoulder, Puck narrowed his eyes.

"Honestly, turning your back in the middle of a fight? You're not as professional as you pretend to be."

He wagged a tiny paw like a disappointed parent, but the swirling ice gathering behind him betrayed the threat.

"Let your guard down again, and next time, I won't just aim for the ribs."

But as the mist from the impact cleared, we could see that her cloak was gone, but Elsa herself was still standing. Relatively unharmed. I say relatively because, y'know... getting launched into a stone wall still hurts.

She rolled her shoulder with a light wince, then gave a low, amused chuckle. "You three are more troublesome than I expected." a small droplet of blood fell from the back of her head, but her same damn grin was stil plastared on her face. Like she was enjoying this. which... we already knew.

Before she could say another word-

Crack!

A streak of ice surged from Emilia's hand, sharp and glinting like a spear, and Puck followed it up with a barrage of jagged shards that formed mid-air in a blink.

Elsa didn't have time to smile anymore. She blurred, moving like a shadow weaving between the incoming ice. It was hard to tell where she ended and the shards began.

The clash turned brutal, fast. Glass-sharp ice and glinting steel crashed through the small room in rapid succession - windows shattered, walls cracked, the air itself turned sharp.

The same exact scenario as the last loop. The same exact 2v1.

They'll be busy for a while, I thought, turning my attention back to Felt. I still needed her to fetch the MVP of this whole mess.

She was still catching her breath, her face pale but steadier now. After a second, she whispered, "T-thanks for saving me back there. Really… thanks."

I gently held her arm, keeping her from moving too quickly. She was still shaking a bit. Staring death in the face tends to do that.

"It's fine. Are you okay?"

She took a couple of deep breaths, then gave a shaky nod. "Yeah… yeah, I'm fine now."

"Good. Okay, if you wanna thank me for real, help me out. This fight? It's not for you. You're fast, but you're not made for head-on stuff like this. You're more the ambusher type, right?"

Felt blinked, a little caught off guard, but I kept going.

"So here's the plan: you run out the door and find help. There's a guy with red hair, Reinhard. You'll know him when you see him, trust me. Just yell for help, and he'll come. He's very strong, now we don't have much time, will you go?"

Felt hesitated for only a moment, her amber eyes flicking toward the chaos behind me, the ice storm and blades still crashing like thunder in the room.

Then she nodded, certain. "Alright. I'll go. Just… don't die, okay? I still need to kick your ass for tricking me."

I gave her a casual little placating wave, "Yeah, yeah. I'll keep breathing. Just hurry. or you might not get the chan- oh she's gone."

Without another word, she turned and bolted for the door, feet light on the wrecked floorboards. A blur of motion, then she was gone, out into the street, out of sight.

I turned back to the madness. The room was a battlefield, glass crunched underfoot, and shards of ice jutted from the walls like deadly thorns. Emilia stood in the centre of it all, breathing hard, frost clinging to her lashes. Puck floated beside her, his little form tense, but magic still flaring.

Despite her speed and ferocity, Elsa was on the back foot now. They were pushing her. Emilia and Puck had used their magic to freeze sections of the ground strategically, slowing Elsa's momentum. A trap.

One final burst of magic, Emilia's eyes glowed, and a massive crystal erupted downwards towards Elsa.

CRACK.

It slammed into her side with a sickening crunch. The floor beneath splintered. She let out a strangled gasp, but before the crystal could fully engulf her, Elsa did the unthinkable.

With an almost dreamy sigh, she twisted her body, letting the ice crush her foot—no, tear through it. Flesh split. Blood spattered. She ripped herself free, leaving behind a shredded mess of muscle and skin.

"Ahh~ How lovely," she exhaled with a delighted hum, staggering back. "For a moment there, I thought I might actually die."

Puck dropped from the air, ears drooping. His glow dimmed. "Tch… That's all I've got. I'm feeling sleepy. Please be careful, Lia, if you need be, you can squeeze out my od, Nyaaa~" he murmured, his voice soft and tired, his form fading. Then, like a flickering candle, he vanished in a swirl of snow.

"Well, that's quite unfortunate, isn't it~" The preditor teased, though, it was not pleasant to hear.

The sound of sizzling flesh whispered through the air as Elsa pressed a jagged block of ice to the raw underside of her torn foot. The cold hissed against her skin. She exhaled softly, almost pleased, and lightly stamped it on the wooden floor, testing the makeshift sole. Her smile never faded during the entire process.

With a low crouch, Elsa lunged. Wood cracked. Her blade flashed.

Emilia reacted fast. A crystal and thin ice shield formed, orbiting her.

Clang. Slash. Crack.

Elsa danced through, her strikes relentless. Each hit chipped away at the spinning ice. A slash slipped through, leaving Emilia's shoulder with a cut. She winced but held firm. The crystal and shield still encircled her.

Elsa grinned, sliding back. "You're fun."

Before going back into the fray, more slashes done, then the crystal is shattered, leaving only one orbiting defender. Emilia stayed focused, as the shield had to go faster to cover the extra ground around her. 

Then she was in again. Faster, sharper. A flurry of blows. The crystal shattered, shards scattering like glass.

Only the shield remained, its movements more frantic now, spinning tighter, faster, a single guardian stretched thin to cover Emilia's whole body.

Elsa noticed. Her grin widened.

She lunged forward, slashing at the shield with fierce precision. Emilia barely managed to block, but Elsa quickly stepped aside, planting her foot with a sharp crack against the floor. Instantly, she darted past Emilia's defence, side-kicking her across the room. Emilia was sent hurtling toward the bar.

Emilia recovered quickly, springing onto the bar counter to regain her footing. But Elsa was faster. Before Emilia could even adjust, Elsa was already airborne, spinning mid-leap with a deadly slash aimed directly at her bowl.

Emilia managed to dodge just enough to avoid the blade, but the force of the strike sent her crashing into the shelves of liquor bottles. The impact rattled the entire bar, and bottles shuddered, some toppling and shattering on impact.

Boxes, pots, and miscellaneous items tumbled down, burying Emilia under a small avalanche of debris, her form hidden from sight.

Ah shit, Not good,

I had recovered the blade I'd thrown earlier, bringing my count back up to two. But I hesitated.

I knew I was safe; if I died, I'd just come right back. But... the pain, the suffering of death... I really didn't want to go through that again. The memories of it still lingered, gnawing at my resolve.

I remember that puck said I had what... shadow, fire and wind affinity, so maybe I could use a spell as a last resort. Yeah, even if I don't get her with the spell, and get paralysed from no mana. I'd still be fine. So it's a viable last resort strategy. i can't remember the suffix for wind magic, and shamac is pretty useless if i can't move after. So Goa it is.

I quickly shook the thoughts away, pushing aside the hesitation. Refocusing, I raised my blades. New resolve settled in my chest as I dashed toward Elsa, who was already making her way toward the pile of debris that had buried Emilia.

"Ah?" she muttered, noticing my approach.

I halted, instantly realising that without a jump, attacking was a one-way ticket back to the past. Remembering what I needed to do, i waited. all i needed to do. is to stall.

"Isn't it quite rude and boring to cut into a dance midway through its act?" Elsa teased, her voice dripping with amusement. 

"Is it really a dance if one's not alive at the end?" I retorted.

Elsa smirked, her lips curling into a sly grin as she let out a light chuckle. "Oh, how delightful," she purred. "It's still a dance, even if the ending act leads to death, but i suppose you won't be finding out, will you?" 

Without warning, her stance shifted, and Elsa lunged, her blade slicing through the air toward me.

I braced myself, raising my weapons. The clash of steel echoed, each strike sharp and heavy, the air humming with tension. I dodged, deflected, and parried, but Elsa's speed and precision pushed me back. One slash slipped through, catching my side near the bowl.

I hissed, the sting biting into me. My grip tightened, but I didn't falter, holding my ground. Behind me, I could hear debris crunching as Emilia freed herself from the pile. She quickly regained her footing and, began launching crystal shots of ice in Elsa's direction, creating a sort of barrier for every strike.

The added support gave me a moment to breathe, and I stepped back to reassess. Elsa was still closing in, her eyes gleaming with excitement, and back to deflecting. I was faring better than before because each time I started to lose ground, Emilia would come in with an assist that forced Elsa to dodge or block, leading to her slowly being chipped away. It was very, very slow, but she was being chipped with small cuts all around. 

But I was still on guard, watching carefully. I was waiting for her to switch targets, just like she did last loop. My train of thought stopped as I caught it—mid-strike, Elsa was shifting. Her posture changed, her eyes locked on Emilia.

I knew what she was about to do.

I brought up both blades, deflecting her strike. Elsa slammed her foot into the ground, the floor cracking beneath her. Wooden boards snapped and lifted as she twisted, now fully turned toward Emilia.

She wasn't focused on me anymore.

That was my opening.

I pushed forward without hesitation, blades raised. But even as I moved, my mind was already calculating. The distance was too much. I wouldn't reach her in time, so... i did the only logical thing.

I YEETED my blade as hard as I could.

It flew through the air with perfect precision, barreling straight toward her wide-open back. Elsa didn't look back. She was too focused on Emilia, just about to bring her swing down. But before she could complete the strike, the force of the blade slammed into her back, bursting into a sharp, searing pain.

Elsa staggered forward, her swing halted by the blade lodged in her back. She spun around, her face contorting in pain, but—wait—was that... pleasure? A hint of annoyance mixed in as well. She yanked the weapon out, tossing it aside with an almost nonchalant flick. Her eyes locked onto me, a fury in them, like the kind someone gives a bug that bites them, tiny but irritating.

"Agh~, how rude. Are you that eager to di-" She was cut off, her words drowned out by the sudden force slamming into her from behind.

The impact sent her staggering forward again, catching her off guard. She turned sharply, her stance shifting, but before she could react, Emilia's ice crystal collided with her back once more. The cold burst through her defences, and Elsa's annoyance shifted to a sharp hiss of pain. She twisted, her movements more erratic now.

"I won't give you another chance like that again," she muttered, her voice colder than ever, before firing a barrage of sharp ice crystals at us. But this time, something was different. Elsa didn't flinch, didn't hesitate. Instead of being struck, she blocked the incoming projectiles with precision, her body moving like a finely tuned machine.

"I've grown tired of this little game," she sneered, her voice dripping with impatience. "Don't you have anything else to show for?"

Her eyes gleamed with boredom as she easily deflected and blocked each of Emilia's ice crystals with effortless precision.

"If not, then I'll have to finish this…" Elsa muttered, her fingers brushing the hilt of a small, dagger-like weapon at her waist. It was smaller, more refined, with a sharp, pointed end rather than the usual curved blade.

Without warning, she hurled it toward Emilia with lightning speed.

Emilia reacted instinctively, raising her hand to form a defensive shield of ice. But the dagger was faster, its trajectory too strong for her to completely block, causing her to flinch and slightly stagger. Yet, before she could fully react, Elsa threw another, this one too close for Emilia to avoid. She managed to raise her arm to shield her face, but the second dagger still dug into her shoulder, forcing her to stagger back, wincing in pain.

Well, it's now or nothing, I guess.

i put my hand forward and focused, first, i needed her attention, "Hey, Elsa! You said you wanted something else, right? Well, let me show you a surprise."

Elsa's eyes narrowed, noticing the shift in my demeanour, she was intruiged in my sudden burst of confidence.

She glanced between Emilia, still reeling from the injury, and me. Her smirk flickered with intrigue. "A surprise, hmm?" she taunted, her voice low, but the challenge was unmistakable. "I'll admit, I'm curious, but I'm not waiting forever, you know." She didn't expect much, after all. I've done nothing but use dirty tricks and barely defend against her attacks with the help of the elf girl. What could I do? It's not like I could use magic.

With that, she took a step forward, eyes still fixed on me, ready to close the distance in an instant if needed.

But it was clear she was waiting for me to make my move.

I pushed the thoughts of hesitation aside, focusing completely. ok, so, from what puck said, all i need to do is visualise my gate, and image a flow of mana going through it, then visulise the spell, and use the corresponding chantation.

Taking a moment to clear my mind, I could feel the energy swirling inside me. Mana, I assumed. I could picture the gate forming, and with it, the flow of mana, like a river pushing its way through.

There was resistance at first, a fucking lot of resistance, but it was flowing, albeit slowly, the mana began to build up, growing stronger and stronger and...

oh shit, i forgot one tiny little thing... i remembered the draw back, that i'd be left with no mana, but i somehow forgot one little detail, all that mana will be going into the attack... and from what i remembered from subaru's opening shamak... it was a fuck ton.

The mana shifted, no longer a gentle stream I could control, but an ocean - unstoppable, relentless, and careening toward me with no regard for my physical limits.

i calmed down and opened my eyes, giving up the idea that i'd be surviving. realising that I could no longer stop it. I might as well make a quip before we all die.

I nervously smiled and turned to the injured Emilia, whose face was twisted in pain as she tried to stem the bleeding. "Well, sorry for this, but it seems I've made a little mistake, so... we're all going to die." She looked at me, confusion overtaking her expression. She couldn't grasp why my demeanour had shifted so suddenly. The concern in her eyes was palpable, her mind struggling to understand my change in stance. but I wasn't going to explain, her expression was too funny... plus there was no time as well. But mostly the first reason.

Then I turned back to Elsa, locking onto her again. The flow of mana was unbearable now, like it hurt like a fucking truck, like the energy was trying to ram its way out. But I held strong, pushing through the pain, because I had just one thing left to say. that would be too glorious to give up.

"Elsa Granhiert... fuck you. Goa!"

Elsa barely reacted, her eyes narrowing slightly, the only sign of her awareness of what was coming. She didn't flinch or look panicked, she was just standing there, perhaps underestimating what was about to happen. "Is that it? a measly go-"

*BOOOOOOOOOM!*

A surge of unimaginable burning pain erupted from my hand, slamming directly into Elsa before detonating violently. The explosion tore through her, cutting her apart in every direction, disintegrating her form, and annihilating everything around us. The mana I had gathered unleashed itself in a massive wave of destructive energy, decimating the surroundings in its wake. The ground trembled beneath us, and the air was filled with a deafening roar as the spell detonated, expanding into a blinding ball of fire that resembled a miniature sun. The explosion was so bright that everything around me vanished into pure white light.

Searing hot pain...

Then nothing.

---

"AGH!" I gasped, snapping back to reality, the sudden wave of sharp, painful awareness crashing over me.

My vision was blurry, everything still a wash of white... or wait, no—it was just Emilia, her concerned face coming into focus.

A profound sense of tranquillity washed over me as the realisation set in: I was no longer in combat. But I was still shaken, my body reeling from the aftermath of what had just happened.

I-I... I let out a shaky breath, going limp as I rested my head on the table. That... was a fucking shitty idea. Should've definitely used wind magic. Why am I such an idiot? using fire indoors. Of course, that would happen.

The blonde girl, the one who had been in distress earlier, had been leading me to the scene of the conflict. Now, with some direction and a clear goal in mind, I was racing toward it. The sounds of conflict were already in the air, distant and growing louder as I ran. My feet pounded the ground, and the tension in the air gripped me tighter with every step.

I could feel it, the ominous weight of the situation pressing down on me. I needed to get there quickly, to stop something terrible from happening. My footsteps quickened as I reached the building where the battle was unfolding.

I leapt up, aiming to crash through the roof, making myself a target, drawing attention away from the others. I was almost there, just a few more seconds... but then, just as I was about to break through, I heard it. The unmistakable sound of an explosion.

The force of it hit me before I could even react. My body was thrown violently into the air, the shockwave lifting me high above the scene. I could barely make sense of it as I soared upwards, thankfully due to a plethora of my divine protection was unharmed, but.

From above, I saw it, an immense crater, as if the earth had been torn apart. Multiple buildings were caught in its wake, crumbled down. The destruction stretched out in every direction, the crater being big enough to fit multiple buildings in its wake, the destruction, causing many buildings to collapse.

I had no words, no thoughts, only the crushing realisation of what I had just witnessed. Everything below seemed like a blur now, and as I fell back down toward the wreckage, I knew things had gone wrong.

that I had failed...

monster

You don't deserve it

You killed h-

I shook my head, pushing the voice aside. I couldn't afford to linger on that thought, not now. I steadied my breath, steeling myself as I walked towards the rubble. My feet moved on their own, the weight of what had happened pressing down on me with every step.

I knew. I was a monster. I had failed. And now, I had to face the consequences.

.

.

.

again.

Chapter Text

"But... what if something goes wrong? I don't want to be caught off guard."

Emilia's voice was soft, uncertain, laced with that same nervous edge I remembered. But this time, as she spoke, her eyes flicked toward me, just in time to see my entire body sag, head thunking down against the table like I'd just given up on life.

Her expression shifted immediately. "H-Hey-! Are you okay?"

I let out a long, shaky breath against the table's rough surface. The ghost of burning pain still clung to my nerves like an unwanted parasite. even if I wasn't feeling any of it.

"Yeah," I muttered, not lifting my head. "Yeah, I'm good… just… sudden, uh… "

I paused.

This isn't working. I'm not lucky enough to stall Elsa forever - I'll have to try something else.

Maybe… maybe I can tell Emilia something. I don't know how much I can get away with, but it's only the Return by Death part I can't say. Subaru managed to talk about future events sometimes. If I frame it like some kind of prophetic ability… it might work.

Emilia's too kind to use me, and Puck wouldn't spread it around either. The only issue is whether she'll believe me.

Ugh… screw it. Let's try. 

"Actually," I muttered, lifting my head just enough to meet her eyes, my voice steady now. "I want you to promise me something. Can you do that?"

My expression hardened, any trace of the earlier exhaustion gone.

Emilia blinked, a little startled by the sudden shift in my tone. Her lips parted, hesitating for a second before she gave a small, earnest nod.

"s-sure… I promise. What is it?"

Her voice was soft and cautious, but not out of fear, but out of concern. It was surreal seeing someone this pure.

"What I'm about to tell you is extremely important to me, but I think I can trust you enough to tell you. Please promise you won't tell anyone else."

Emilia's expression softened, the worry in her eyes deepening as she leaned in slightly, lowering her voice like we were sharing some fragile secret.

"I promise," she said firmly, placing a hand over her chest. "No matter what it is, I won't tell anyone. You can trust me."

"Ok..." i breathed in, "the person who contracted felt to steal your insignia is a dangerous assassin from Gusteko called Elsa the bowl hunter."

Emilia's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat.

"And once she finds out you're here," I hesitated, considering my words carefully. Would saying 'kill' trigger it? No, better play it safe. "She'll… cause harm to all of us. And worse - if we fight her head-on like this… We'll lose."

I let the words hang in the air, watching her face carefully. She stayed frozen for a moment, then swallowed hard.

"A-are you sure? your not joking, are you?" she said, carefully, her voice a mixture of confusion and a growing fear. "If so, how do you know... Did someone tell you?"

"No, I have an ability to... see future events, sadly, it isn't the best as it is only small glimpses. I hope you don't tell anyone of this, as it would definitely put me in danger if others knew. i only told you because I think you're trustworthy enough." 

Emilia's lips parted slightly, her expression flickering between disbelief and worry. She looked down for a second, processing my words, then met my eyes again.

"I… I believe you," she said quietly, nodding once. "You don't seem like the type to joke about something like this… and you looked so serious just now."

She bit her lip, fingers curling in her lap. "I won't tell anyone, I promise. Not even Puck. If you trust me enough to share something like this… then I'll keep it safe."

There was a short silence between us, the weight of what I'd said settling in the air like heavy mist. Then Emilia took a deep breath.

"Then… what should we do? If we can't win… how do we stop her?"

i smile, "The only way i believe we can, is to find Reinhard, from the... vision I know that you are of importance, and that your name isn't satella."

I offered a small, weary smile. "The only way we can… stop her, is by finding Reinhard. From what I saw, he's the only one strong enough to handle someone like Elsa, who is also available."

At the mention of the knight's name, her eyes widened, a flicker of panic crossing her face. I could guess what she was thinking - if a knight of Lugunica found out she lost her insignia, it might not go well for her.

"And… one more thing," I added, leaning forward slightly. "From what I saw, I know you're important. Really important. And your name… it isn't Satella."

The colour drained from her face for a moment before a soft blush rose to her cheeks. She looked down, fingers twisting at the fabric of her clothes.

"I…" she hesitated, voice soft. "I didn't want to lie. I just… I'm sorry." she bowed a little, "I wasn't planning for it to go on so long, a-and I was planning to tell you soon, it's just, we were a bit busy looking for clues to find my insignia and..."

I couldn't help but laugh, the tension in my chest easing a little. Cutting her off, I spoke, "It's fine," I grinned, waving it off. "I'm sure you had your reasons. Honestly, I get it. So don't beat yourself up over it," to which she gave a small, relieved smile.

"Anyway, as I was saying, since I know you are important, I was hoping you could find Reinhard and make sure to bring him here. Make sure you tell him about the bowl hunter's appearance. He will definitely assist with that in mind. We have around an hour till Elsa arrives, which should be enough time to find him."

She lifted her gaze, giving a small, almost sheepish smile of relief.

"Anyway," I continued, straightening up. "Since I know how important you are, I'm asking you to find Reinhard. Tell him about Elsa, call her by her title — the Bowel Hunter. That alone will get his attention. We've got around an hour before she shows up… it should be enough time."

Emilia hesitated for just a second, then nodded firmly. "Okay. I'll find him."

"Good." I smiled faintly. "And… thanks for trusting me."

She gave me one last, determined look before hurrying out the door, her footsteps fading into the street beyond.

I leaned back in my seat with a sigh. Alright… one step down. The rest should be smooth sailing.

Chapter Text

Waiting again felt strange especially since it was the third time. But most of the things Rom did were exactly the same as before, which made the waiting a little easier. I even turned it into a game, trying to predict what he would do next.

Yeah, I was that bored.

Aside from that, I was trying to figure out how mana worked—specifically, how to use it without casting a spell. Last time I tried, well… nuked it...

So now, I wanted to get some experience controlling the flow of mana before actually executing anything.

Unfortunately, I had no luck so far, except for knowing I could open my mana gate and close it. But I was too scared to let any mana out, cause, again. nuked the place last time.

but, now that it was around the about the time felt came, i decided to walk up to rom.

Now that it was almost time for Felt to arrive, I decided to walk over to Rom.

Before Felt shows up, I want to talk to Rom and tell him about how we used fake names. Considering it's kinda useless now. Better have him more trusting.

Rom was sitting behind the counter, lazily swigging from a chipped mug filled with watered-down alcohol.

He looked up at me, eyebrows raised, and grunted, "Huh? What do you want?"

His voice was rough but calm. "Felt ain't here yet."

"Uh huh, yep, know that, but that isn't why I'm here, here to talk to you actually," I said slightly cheerfully.

Rom raised his eyebrow higher, took a slow swig, then let out a dry belch. "Me? Alright then, spit it out."

I forced a small smile. "It's about my name. It's not actually Belova."

He blinked, waiting.

"It's Shiro. Sorry for deceiving you, but it's just not safe to go around giving out my real name."

Rom studied me for a moment, the corner of his mouth twitching like he was trying to decide whether to believe me or not.

Finally, he grunted, "Fair enough. Names can be dangerous."

I nodded. "Yeah. I figured it was better to be upfront now, considering what's to come."

Rom set the mug down and leaned back against the counter, giving me a curious look. He seemed a bit confused by my choice of words that sounded a bit ominous, but probably chalked it up to me being weird and ignored it. "Is there anything else ya need to say then?"

I tapped my finger on my chin, then grinned. Ooo, quite a lot, actually. About how all the stuff I said before? Complete lie. Soooorry~" I gave him a cheeky smile. 

Before he could react negatively, I held up a hand. "Hey, hold up. I'm not trying to hurt you or anything. You see the girl I was with earlier? Yeah, she had her insignia stolen, and Felt's the one who took it. Now, don't get mad - like we said earlier, we just want it back, no violence. so relaaaax. I'm a very trustworthy individual," I smiled, with a thumbs up.

Rom blinked, a bit shocked. He blinked again, processing what I'd just said. Then he narrowed his eyes and asked, "Why are you telling me this now? Why go through the effort of lying, just to tell the truth later?" he was giving me a serious look.

I smirked, enjoying the reaction. "Well, about an hour ago, I learned something pretty important - something I wish I'd known sooner. sadly, i got no proof, but my friend's bringing in backup as she believes me. but i guess you'd want to know what im taaalking about~ riiiiiiight~" I paused for effect, then continued, "You see... the person who hired Felt is Elsa Granhiert. You might know her as The Bowl Hunter. so yeaaaah, a bit of a problem."

Rom's expression darkened at the name, even though he hadn't faced The Bowl Hunter himself. Her reputation as Gusteko's deadliest assassin was notorious. A sharp flicker of anger flashed across his face, but he quickly masked it with calm.

I met his gaze steadily. "I get how serious this is. That's why I want to know if you'd be willing to help, just slow her down. I know I'm not exactly the most trustworthy person right now, but it's in my best interest to keep her alive. And I figure she'd want you alive, too." I let that hang for a moment before continuing, "The backup my friend's bringing is someone you definitely know, Rienhard, more commonly known as the sword saint. He's coming, no doubt about it, so don't worry... oh, one last thing, don't ask how I know. Let's just say it's a... special ability of mine, and leave it at that. So, what do you say? Can I count on you?"

Rom rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then let out a slow, tired sigh as he picked up his mug again and took a long swig of the watered-down alcohol. His eyes narrowed, a familiar flicker of wariness shining through.

Rom's eyes narrowed, his rough voice steady as he muttered, "You sure are confident to be saying all this. If you're telling the truth, then this situation is bad—real bad." He paused, the dark glint in his eyes sharpening. "She's dangerous. But if she's coming after Felt..." His protective instincts flared, and his voice hardened. "I'll do everything I can to keep her safe. No matter what."

He leaned back slightly, taking another slow swig from his mug before continuing. "Fine, so an Astrea is coming, huh? Alright, I'll agree to this, on one condition." He fixed me with a steady gaze."You make sure Felt's safety is the absolute priority. Nothing else matters if she's in danger. Felt means more to me than anything, and if anyone tries to hurt her, they'll have me to answer to. Got it?"

"Yep, loud and clear, I understand your care for her, and I swear on my life, that I'll put Felts safety above anyone else's."

He took one last long drink, then set the mug down with purpose. He grunted, "ok, now, what do you have planned to deal with this then?"

I smiled and explained.

Chapter Text

After working out the plan with Rom, Felt came in the same way she had in the previous timelines. But this time, things shifted fast. Rom and I pulled her aside and explained the situation, laying out the problem in full. It took a while to convince her, naturally - she's stubborn as fuck - but I promised her that once this was over, I'd make it my personal goal to get her out of these slums.

We talked through the plan together, and though she agreed in the end, she wasn't happy about it. She wanted solid proof that the buyer was dangerous, that there was a real threat. I made sure she saw it.

---

A knock was heard on the door as Elsa walked in, tall and beautiful with pale skin and flowing dark ha- ok why am i describing her, we all know what the inside toucher looks like. Or stabber? Nah toucher sounds worse. So it works.

Her eyes swept lazily around the room, taking in the scene. The moment her gaze landed on me, a faint smirk tugged at her lips.

"Ah~ I know the old man," she hummed, her voice smooth like silk dipped in poison. "But who's this little thing~?" Without waiting for an answer, she slid into a nearby chair like she owned the place.

"I'm me, who are you?" I replied, dead serious. Hey, I got infinite bodies, might as well. It also might stall as well. 

Elsa tilted her head, a glimmer of amusement in her crimson eyes. "Oh my, such a sharp tongue. I like jokesters." She rested her chin in her palm, eyeing me like a wolf sizing up a particularly interesting rabbit. "But you still didn't answer, it would make this conversation mu~uch easier if I knew. My name is Elsa. Now, could you please tell me yours?"

Rom shot me a brief look that basically screamed the fuck are you doing.

"Hmm, suuure, I'll do that. My name is... Are you sure you want it? No, np no, no, you do... don't you. Well, my name is... ahhhh~... Capella." I gave a venomous grin, I stood up slightly.

Elsa's playful smirk vanished like a candle snuffed out by a gust of wind. Her entire posture tensed, eyes narrowing as her hand instinctively slid toward a hidden blade at her side. "What… did you say?" she asked, voice low, a crack of genuine unease bleeding through her tone.

Rom stiffened too, the sudden shift in the air thick enough to choke on.

"You know what I said~" I teased, sing-song, the grin on my face wide and sharp. I raised a hand to my cheek, fingers curling as if to peel something away. I watched her eyes flash, a flicker of fear, real and unhidden, mixed with a visceral sort of worry.

And then I lunged back, creating space between us in a single swift move. "Hah! You really thought I was her? Whaa~aat? Were you about to call Mother? Mama? Hah."

The name alone made something ugly twist in Elsa's expression. A storm of emotions crossed her face, one after another. Confusion. Doubt. Dread. Bewilderment. And then - anger. That cold-blooded, predatory anger she was known for. But underneath it, a strange spark of excitement, like she'd just stumbled on something too dangerous not to want.

Her lips pulled into a tense, crooked grin, the kind that promised blood. "You've got some nerve," she hissed, eyes gleaming like a predator denied its meal. "How… how do you know that name!? How the hell do you know!?"

For a moment, she looked shaken, her calm uncoiling into something raw and frantic. But then, like a flame catching dry wood, her expression twisted, excitement blooming in her blood-red eyes. The fear was still there, buried deep under something more dangerous.

"Ah… no, wait," Elsa chuckled darkly, a shiver of giddy madness in her voice. "I don't care anymore." She leaned forward slightly, her fingers flexing near her blade, lips curling into a sadistic smile. "I just can't wait to see your beautiful intestines," she spun her blades around.

The room felt like it dropped ten degrees, tension crackling through the air like a spark in a dry field.

I quickly pulled out my blades, I smiled, "Aw, how romantic, love at first sight, is it~ but you'll have to earn it first~" I winked, the gesture so out of place it threw her off balance for a moment.

Her eyes flickered with confusion, processing the unexpected move, before that split-second hesitation vanished. With a snarl, she lunged forward, deadly intent blazing in her gaze.

Her speed was impeccable. For a second, it looked like she vanished, but she appeared, and her blades came careening towards me. But, thankfully the fuck ton of experience and her ALWAYS AIMING FOR MY GODDAMN FUCKING BOWl, made the parry much easier than other times.

Unfortunately, her strength was just as fierce as ever, and my body still hadn't adjusted to it. The impact barely registered at first, like a dull ache, before it slammed me backwards hard enough to crash against the wall.

The room shook from the collision, dust falling from the cracked plaster above. I pushed myself up, tasting blood at the corner of my mouth. Elsa didn't waste a second - she advanced again, blades gleaming like deadly promises.

The club slammed into her ribs with a sickening crack, forcing her to stagger back, the wind knocked out of her. Rom growled, "Get the hell away from her."

He didn't hesitate or hold back - his raw power and rage were clear, every swing meant to stop Elsa by any means necessary. His focus was fierce, his protectiveness driving him like a battering ram.

But that first hit was just a lucky shot. Elsa danced around each heavy, powerful swing with fluid grace, light on her feet. She leapt up, aiming to repeat the same move from the last loop - closing in for a deadly strike.

Rom wasn't about to let that happen. At the last second, he barely dodged, twisting his body just enough to avoid her attack while keeping his club ready to strike again.

After taking a moment to shake off the impact of being slammed into the wall, I jumped back into the fray, swinging at her from behind. This wasn't a full-strength attack, I wasn't trying to land a real hit. Why bother? Curse doll shit means, she wasn't going to be hurt unless an iceberg fell on her. Multiple icebergs. And even then, she'd still not be put down.

Elsa ducked under my swing with that same unnerving, almost lazy grace like she was playing a game she'd already won a thousand times. Her crimson eyes gleamed, lips curling in a grin that promised nothing but pain.

Rom came charging in from the side, his club tearing through the air with a violent gust. Elsa twisted, narrowly avoiding the arc, though the tip of the club caught her cloak and ripped it clean off her shoulders.

She landed on a nearby table with a predatory crouch, that damn smile never leaving her face. "Tsk, how annoying. But still not enough~"

Rom didn't waste time. He roared and lunged again, wild and relentless, each swing shaking the ground. He wasn't some lazy drunk anymore - this was a man fighting for family, and he was terrifying when he wanted to be.

But no matter how heavy the blows, Elsa moved like water, slipping through the cracks of his offence. And then, with a sudden pivot, she sidestepped one wide swing and drove her blade deep into his side.

"Rom!" I shouted, eyes widening. fuuuuuck

The old man grunted, blood spilling down his coat, but before she could twist the blade, he grabbed her wrist with a vice grip and yanked her closer, headbutting her with a sickening crack. Elsa reeled back, grinning through bloodied teeth.

"Not bad, old man, but I believe it's time for sleep," she chuckled.

Rom staggered, his grip slipping, and Elsa took her opening. In a flash, she buried her foot into his stomach, sending him flying across the room, crashing through a table. He didn't get back up.

I cursed under my breath. Shit.

Before I could move, Elsa was already on me. A fist slammed into my gut, knocking the air clean out of my lungs, then a blade came whistling toward my belly. I barely raised my weapon to deflect it, the clash jarring my arm, making my bones scream. I knew how this went. No matter how many times I fought her, she was always faster, stronger, meaner? Pfft. No. Wait, not the time for jok-

A kick to my ribs sent me skidding across the floor, pain blooming sharp and hot in my chest. I coughed, spat blood, and pushed myself back up, refusing to stay down.

"Aw, poor thing," Elsa purred, licking a line of blood from her lip. "So utterly weak, but that's what makes it all so fun, ah~" she moaned, as she took a slow step forward, she knew she won now.

I tried to rise again, my limbs barely listening, everything hurt, everything burned. I hated it. I hated this. I hated pain. I hated her. I wanted it to stop, stop? Yes, I needed it to stop, we needed it to stop, no no no no. No. I wanted her to stop, to stop. Stop, death, die, end end end.

A voice chanting repeated over and over again, until I gave in, and let it  ̷̫̦̃ị̷̡̔n̵̗͋͘

As she closed the distance, her grin widened, a faint blush colouring her pale cheeks. She was enjoying this. Drinking in my agony like fine wine. Then, she stopped. A visible shudder rippled through her.

Her face shifted, the amusement cracking.

I felt nothing. I couldn't control my body, yet it moved.

Elsa's eyes narrowed, her predator's smirk faltering as a cold bead of fear settled in her gut. Something felt wrong.

My hand rose, not by my will, and a voice slipped from my throat, low, ragged, and foreign to even my own ears."Goa."

Mana tore through my body like a riptide. I felt it leave, felt my gate burst open and spill it out. I tried to stop it, desperately, frantically, no, not again, not now, but it was too late. My skin prickled, my head spun, and then.

My gate slammed shut.

Like an ocean battering against a dam of splintering wood, the torrent of mana smashed against the seal. Blood burst from my lips, painting my chin and chest as I doubled over in agony. My whole body shook as I felt the backlash threaten to tear my gate apart.

But it held.

Barely.

Yet enough mana had escaped already, a fifth, maybe more, swirling and condensing around my outstretched palm. A flame sparked to life, its glow bright orange, but then something else. Darkness bled into it, veins of void-like black cracking through the base of the fireball, like on another plane.

The room dimmed.

Elsa's instincts screamed at her.

Eyes widening, she hurled herself to the side, her blade swinging to deflect it.

The moment steel touched flame, her weapon, reliable and vicious, crumbled. Metal flaking into dust. The fireball struck her knee dead-on.

There was no grand explosion, no satisfying burst of gore. The fire rippled like liquid shadow over her flesh, and her knee began to flake away, bone and skin decaying in eerie, silent disintegration. She snarled and staggered, one leg buckling under her. 

But before the decay could consume more, the cursed flame flickered out and fizzled, leaving behind scorched, ruined flesh and a trembling killer.

She was hurt. Badly. From a single, weak, measly little Goa.

My vision blurred, the edges of my world darkening as I took in the sight. Am i fucking dreaming? I thought. Because of what I saw, what I saw on Elsa's face wasn't joy. It wasn't sadistic pleasure. Not even twisted excitement or fury. Or even a weirdly creepy way of sexual pleasure that she got from a fight. No... no no no.

It was panic.

And also,

fear.

My body felt heavier by the second, vision was swimming. I could barely lift my arms, every nerve screaming. I saw her take a shaky step, expression warping into something I couldn't even describe anymore. Then, a sharp crack split the air.

A voice. Male. Calm, but sharp like a knife's edge. I couldn't make out the words, not at first. The pounding in my head made it hard to focus.

"I apologise for being late."

Then the ceiling came down.

The roof caved in with a deafening crash, stone and wood splintering apart. Dust and debris choked the room as Elsa was buried under a collapsing heap, a brief scream swallowed by rubble. And through the clearing dust, a single figure stood atop the wreckage. Red, fiery hair caught the pale moonlight filtering through the hole he'd made.

Reinhard.

I could barely keep my eyes open anymore.

Finally… took ya… long… enough…

I let out a breath, my body going limp against the cold floor. Darkness crept in, my vision tunnelling to nothing.

I hope this isn't death. Would suck, if so.

That was the last thing I thought before everything went black.

Waking up, my eyes fluttered open, the world around me blurry and sluggish. My head pounded like someone was hammering the inside of my skull. The second I moved, a high-pitched yelp rang out beside me.

My eyes shot open fully, adrenaline rushing in like cold water. I bolted upright, ignoring the sharp jolt of pain in my ribs and shoulder.

"Ah!" It was Emilia, sitting right next to me.

Looking around, I saw a completely rekt building, as Reinhard, felt, and Emilia were staring at me. 

Emilia immediately leaned over, practically climbing into my space as she frantically looked me over like a worried mom. "You're up! Are you ok? How are you feeling? I'm so sorry I took so long. I should have-"

I lifted a hand, palm open. "I'm fine, I'm fine," I croaked out, voice a bit raw. "We did it. So whatever happened before, it's done. No need to apologise."

She bit her lip, guilt still plain on her face, but she nodded. I could tell she wasn't entirely convinced, but at least she let me have that one.

Then something twinged at the edge of my mind. My eyes darted around. Reinhard was here. Felt was here. Emilia was fussing. Hmm, what else was missing?

I forced myself upright with a hiss, my whole body protesting. Emilia rushed to steady me, and after a few shaky tries, I managed to stand on my own. I staggered over to them, ignoring the pain.

Felt stepped up before I could say anything. She looked… awkward. Not her usual cocky, sharp-tongued self.

"Uh… Shiro," she started, rubbing the back of her neck and glancing away. "Look… thanks. For earlier. You gave us a heads up when no one else did, and if you hadn't, I… well, whatever. I owe you, alright? So yeah. Thanks."

She scowled at the floor, like the words physically hurt to get out.

Felt snorted at that, a crooked grin tugging at her lips. Then she turned to Emilia, awkward again.

"And uh… sorry for stealing your badge thing or whatever," she said while walking away, making some distance. 

Then, i felt it, and i remembered RIGHT, FUCKING ELSA!

My head snapped toward the rubble just as she burst out, a blur of black and bloodlust. Without hesitation, she hurled a handful of knives at Emilia and me.

Reinhard shot forward, intercepting them mid-air with ridiculous ease. But what he didn't expect, what none of us did, was the second volley. Two more knives came at him from different angles. He deflected them, too, but it was a distraction.

She was already there.

Elsa was looming over Felt, her blade raised to carve her open like a butcher to fresh meat. Felt's face twisted with fear, and for the first time, even Reinhard couldn't move fast enough.

And just like before, like when that fireball burst from my palm, my body moved on its own.

I heard it.

A noise. No… a voice.

j̴̶̴̶̶̴̴̶̸̶̴̷̴̶̵̸̵̶̶̸̶̢̢̧̡̗̺̳̪̗̱̝̣͇̻̭͙̜̞͎̹̳͊̄̔̋̂̀͌̓͗͗̎̓̏̄̄̓̓͘̕͘͝ų̸̶̷̵̷̶̷̴̴̶̷̷̸̴̶̸̸̸̶̸̸̛̛͙͙̳̘̝̖̹̫̺̲͔͎̱͍̲̗͚̖͗͋̔̏͗̀͌̀͐̃͊̀̈̓̽̎͌̕͝ͅͅs̵̵̴̸̸̵̵̸̷̴̸̴̶̶̸̵̴̵̵̷̸̡̨̢̰͙͖̙̱͎͕̟͕͚͈͚̻̬̩̼͈͉̀͛̄̆̾̒̏͊̽̊͐͗̇͐͛̅͘͘̚͠͝ṱ̷̵̶̷̷̴̶̴̷̵̴̷̶̸̴̴̵̴̸̷̴̡̛͎̤̰̗̲͔̰͇̬͎̱̘̦̳͍̣̱̗͆͆̂̄͛̊͐̾̍͐̄͗̎͆̈̎̔̎̚̚ͅ ̵̵̸̶̶̸̶̷̶̷̵̵̶̷̴̴̶̷̴̴̵͚̖͎̥̲̥̺͇̣̣̣̲͕̫͙̗̬̰̹̅͗͂̀͛̂̎́͊̂̽͆̔̆̌͆̓͋̊͠͠ͅͅt̷̷̷̴̴̵̶̸̵̸̶̷̵̶̷̷̴̷̵̶̷̨̨̨̪̫̫̮̥̘͈̭̺̲̫͍̣͇̩̟͖̳͑̏̐̈́̒́̅̅̍̔͒̎͐̎̂̊̾̔̏͘͝ḥ̴̵̸̷̶̵̷̵̸̸̶̴̸̴̸̵̴̶̸̸̷̡̛̗̝̼̣͔̥̦̙̥̩̜͇͖̦̼̱͕͐̓̽̋̇̽̀̀͆͂̋̎̿͋́̑̄̂͌͘͜ͅį̵̸̶̶̸̷̶̵̷̴̵̸̸̵̷̵̷̷̴̴̶̧̡͚̝̖̬̘̘̬̗̦̫͈̺̰̪̱̯͒̈́́̑́̈́̊̊̇̇̐̍̈́͋̏̓̕͠͠͠͝ͅͅs̶̷̸̸̷̸̷̵̵̶̵̷̸̷̷̷̵̴̷̸̶̢̡̳̥̱̙̭̣̜͉̪̩̱̱̹̥̱͕͖̱̞̾̈́̃̅̽̆́̎͆̉̀͌̉͒̌͐̾̈́͐̇̚ ̵̴̶̶̷̸̴̷̴̷̵̸̷̸̶̸̴̵̷̶̴̡̛̦̺̠̠̘̼͚̻̠͇̤̮̠̥͙̭̯͓̑͊͋̒̽̋̍̄̇̎̍̀̎̑͂͋̈́͘͝͠ͅͅo̴̴̸̶̸̵̶̴̴̸̵̵̴̵̵̷̷̷̴̴̴̧͖͙̬͚͕̗̲̠̜̟̻͓̙̱̦̩̩͍̪̤̍̾̑̈́̉͗̽̆̈́̉̃̇͛̀̇̈̈́̚̚͝͝ņ̸̴̶̵̸̷̴̵̶̶̷̴̵̵̵̸̸̶̶̸̴͕̘͔̗̤̟͚̼̜̩̫̠̝̹̳̻̯̩̞̄̿̎̾̅͐͂͊͗͌͂͒̀̿͆̍͊͐̈̅̿͜c̸̵̶̴̴̷̸̴̴̵̵̴̴̷̷̸̵̷̶̵̷̨͖̼̟̪̜̪͙̳̝̯̠̰̭̺͖̫̖̞̭͋́̊̆̓̍͐̐̉͗̌̏͂͗̿̚̚̚̚̕͘͜ĕ̸̷̸̶̷̷̶̵̸̴̷̵̷̶̷̷̸̸̶̵̸̢̡̨̧̩̮̘̞̝͙̫̟͚̺̩͕͎͍̞̞̩̋̏̅̃͆̅͛̊̆̀͆̔̾̄͐́̇͘̕͝

Incomprehensible. Quiet. Crawling in the back of my mind like a whisper from something I couldn't name.

Then the wind shifted. The air rippled around me, warping like heat haze.

I didn't think. I didn't hesitate.My lips moved, and the word ripped from my throat like instinct.

"FURA"

Elsa's eyes widened, and once again, she froze. A cold dread spread through every cell in her body as she bolted back on pure instinct. Realising the same thing was happening a second time. But it wasn't enough.

The blade of wind formed in an instant, visible by the cracks it carved into the air itself, unusual and unstable. A void seeping out.

It fired forward, slicing clean through her arm horizontally.The entire length split apart, flesh and bone peeling like a grotesque blooming flower.

A scream tore through the air as decay immediately followed. That was all I saw before my body gave out, blood spraying from my wounds.

My vision clung to consciousness for a single, fragile second. Long enough to see Elsa drop to her knees, then launch herself away into the shadows.

What the fuck just happened

That was my last thought before the world went dark once again.

Chapter Text

My eyes slowly blinked open, fluttering shut again under the sting of sunlight filtering through the window. There was something soft beneath me - a bed, obviously - but still, after all the chaos back at the capital, it was comforting. Quiet. Peaceful. Safe.

So I guess that means we won.

I'm happy to know that I didn't loop, and I was finally done with all that first-day capital bullshit now. 

I cracked my eyes open again, letting them adjust to the light. A ceiling came into view. Fancy, wooden beams, expensive finish. Definitely not some slum inn. Unfamiliar, but that made sense.

I must be in the Roswaal estate now.

That thought settled in my chest like a warm weight. Even if i have to deal with roswal and shit. It'll be magnitudes easier compared to arc 1, cause now I have something amazing. More time, and unlike Subaru, I know about the curse. So, considering if I make sure to keep friendly with everyone, and try, TRY to get Rem to not be "all kill ho". Then it should be pretty easy.

Trying to lift myself up, a sharp pain shot through my side. "Agh," I hissed, immediately falling back against the pillow. Ok, must still be a little injured. Annoying, but I'll have to take it slow.

Again, I slowly lifted myself from the sheets, while thinking about what to do for now.

I lay there for a moment, staring up at the ceiling, weighing my options. Nothing to do but take it slow for now. No point in rushing and tearing something open again.

With a quiet breath, I tried again, slower this time. Easing myself up from the sheets bit by bit, every movement sending a dull ache through my body.

Alright. Manageable. Still painful, but at this point, I've gotten a little used to it.

I gave a slow stretch, or at least as much of one as my pain-ridden body would allow, before letting my eyes wander around the room.

Huh… this wasn't the room Subaru had in the anime.

I frowned, taking in the unfamiliar walls and neatly kept furniture. It was subtle, but I knew. I might screw around and pretend I don't pay attention, but I had unatrually great memory, especial for important details and information. 

Oh well, must've been put in another room.

I gave a casual shrug—or tried to—before a sharp pain stabbed through my chest.

"Ай-ай-ай! Блядь!" I hissed, clutching at the spot. "Fuck" i gave a natural and filtered reaction to pain. With no obscene wording.

Damn… did I get stabbed in the chest? What is this shoddy healing? I sighed, looking down to check.

That's when I noticed something else. My clothes were different. Gone was my torn-up, bloodstained jacket and the rest of my ruined modern clothing. In their place was something softer and looser-fitting, like a cross between semi-light sleepwear and a bathrobe, with alot more coverage than just that, something you could definitely wear around the house with not a hint of shame. Not as medieval as you'd expect in a place like this, but not modern either.

But still.

I mentally shelved the thought of why this world's fashion sense was so strangely progressive for later.

Then another realisation hit. I opened my mouth slightly, feeling a faint heat creep onto my cheeks.

Oh… o-one of them must've changed me…

I quickly fanned my face a little, an unpleasant wave of vulnerability crawling over me. That same discomfort I always felt at the thought of someone seeing me without clothes. It wasn't modesty, and it wasn't shame. I was fine wearing almost nothing. But less than that… and I hated it. 

At least there weren't any guys around here, it must've been Beatrice? Or actually rem... rem is much more likely. Ram would rather die than be useful.

I let out a long sigh, the tension slowly leaving as the blush faded from my face.

Alright. Moving on.

I quickly checked under my clothing a bit, and realised why i had such a tight feeling on my chest. i had many bandages wrapped around, and around over my entire chest, so tightly it looked as if I was flatter than a washing board. i see... huh

next

I sat on the side of the bed for a moment, pondering on my next actions. Since I am quite injured, I still don't know if I should go look for Beatrice, or even if I can to begin with. Considering I don't know if I could just... break the door down like Subaru did first try. but, it would definitly be the best cource considering if i meet her, on civil terms, it might be fun, but also add an extra layer of protection on me, considering if she drains me, it might hurt like a bitch, but i will be cleared by beatrice. Which would make Ram 100% on the side of not hurting me, and therefore keep Rem in check. Long enough for me to deal with the mabeasts.

Also... I just really want to see Beatrice IRL, she's so adorable and hehehe,

I nodded to myself, smiling like a - no, no, not like a creep.

Getting up, I realised my legs were perfectly fine. Good. I carefully made my way over to the door, trying not to pull at any of the injuries still gnawing at my upper body.

I pulled the door open and blindly stepped through, turning the corner, and immediately running into something solid.

"Ooof-"

I staggered back a step, feeling like I'd just walked into a damn wall. What the hell?

"Ah," I hissed, a sharp jolt of pain flaring through my chest from the sudden movement.

Grimacing, I steadied myself and slowly looked up to see what I'd just crashed into.

Blue eyes. A handsome face. Blazing red hair. A familiar facial structure that made my stomach drop.

My eyes widened as I met his gaze. He wore a worried expression, those sharp blue eyes quickly scanning over me.

"Ah, Shiro! Are you alright? I apologise for my carelessness," he said, offering a small, lifting smile. "You're awake, that's good. I was just about to check on you."

Before my brain could catch up enough, I muttered "W-what are you doing here!?" with a voice so shocked it could electrocute you. (hah... funny joke... right? You're laughing, right?)

Then my brain caught up, realising what must've happened. No way?! Did Reinhard seriously take me!? But why? I knew he was going to take Subaru, but I still should've gone with Emilia. RIGHT!? 

Then, I stopped, then gave out an inaudible chuckle. 

Actually... this is alot better than that mess of a place.

Chapter Text

From Reinhard's perspective, I must've gone quiet for a long while - just standing there, staring up at him like a deer caught in headlights. His lips parted, probably about to ask if I was alright when I finally spoke,

"…Where… am I? And what happened?"

There was a flicker of relief in his expression, like he was just glad I was coherent enough to talk. Reinhard offered a gentle smile, his voice as calm and steady as ever.

"You're safe. This is the Astrea estate," he explained softly, crouching down a little so we were at eye level. "After everything that happened in the capital… I thought it'd be best to bring you here. You were badly injured."

Wow... that is a big divergence... but why?

Before I could ask, Reinhard lowered his head in a quick, apologetic bow.

"I learned from Lady Emilia that you trusted me enough to have her find me," he said, guilt weighing down every word. "And yet… I was too late. If I'd arrived sooner, none of this would've happened to you. I… failed you. Both as a knight and as your friend." 

His voice tightened near the end, as if saying it out loud physically hurt him. friend?... oh... right right, I remember now, when we both met the first time. but damn, i forgot how much of a kicked puppy he was.

I tried to open my mouth to speak, but the blazing-haired self-depricating unloved as a child teen continued. "And then… even after being so injured, when Milady was in danger," his expression softened into something even more pained, blue eyes lowering, "you used magic. Knowing full well it would worsen your wounds, you still chose to protect her. Against the Bowled Hound, no less."

He let out a slow breath, as if forcing the next words through a tight throat.

"You've already suffered so much… and still, you put others before yourself."

For a moment, he fell silent again.

I swear to god, if this guy starts crying, I'm done...

wait... Milady? Who did I save that was "milady"? emilia?

"And for that, I am truly grateful," he said, standing slightly up with a smile. 

ok... well... this feels really weird.

Then he straightened slightly, offering a small, genuine smile. "And for that, I am truly grateful."

Okay… well, this feels really weird.

I raised a hand, already feeling awkward. "It's fine. All of that was for my own benefit anyway. So don't worry about it. Hell, I should be the one thanking you. But I know your type, so I'll be happy just having your support. That's what friends are for, right? So don't stress. Okay? Okay."

Reinhard blinked in confusion. "O-kay?" he repeated, clearly not quite understanding the phrase, then quickly shook his head with a small smile. "If that is what you wish, Shiro."

Just then, a faint but persistent banging noise reached our ears, the unmistakable sound of someone trying desperately to get out of a locked room.

"Oh, my apologies," Reinhard said cheerfully, a light gleam in his eyes. "I almost forgot—I made food for both you and Milady. Let's continue this discussion after you've eaten. Please, follow me, Shiro."

I stared at him for a moment, questioning reality, before shrugging and falling into step behind him. "Wait up then," I muttered, and it seemed he heard, because his pace slowed to match my slower-than-normal stride.

As we walked, the rhythmic banging grew louder, until we reached a door that visibly shook with every BANG BANG - clearly someone was failing at trying to break it down.

"I SAID OPEN UP, DAMN IT!" a familiar, high-pitched female voice screeched in anger from beyond the door. If it opened, it would most likely reveal a blonde-haired, red-eyed teen.

I don't even need foresight to know what'll happen if that door is open. But seriously, he just chucked Felt in a room and locked it? Maybe felt was right, this is a kidnapping.

Reinhard, graceful and composed as ever, calmly walked over to the door, stopped, and opened it with the kind of careful ease you'd expect from someone handling glass.

The instant the door opened, a foot shot out like a bullet, aimed straight for the first unlucky soul in the way.

Reinhard didn't even flinch. He caught the flying foot effortlessly, holding it there with one hand like it was nothing.

Felt let out a yelp as she lost her balance and toppled backwards, landing hard on the floor. She shot Reinhard a death glare sharp enough to kill. "Don't block my kick, you bastard! And you better tell me what the hell's going on here!"

Reinhard tilted his head slightly, an almost apologetic look in his eyes. "What's with the aggression, Miss Felt? Was the room not to your liking?"

"Like hell it was!" Felt snapped, already pushing herself up with a scowl.

Reinhard knelt, offering a hand. "Allow me-"

"I can get up by myself!" Felt barked, slapping his hand away and scrambling upright, brushing herself off like she hadn't just fallen flat on her ass. Then, without warning, she threw a punch straight at his face — and just like the kick, it was casually brushed aside like swatting away a fly.

"Don't block it, you bastard!" she shouted, glaring up at him.

Reinhard gave a sheepish smile, scratching the side of his cheek. "My apologies, Miss Felt. It was instinct."

Seriously, saying sorry for blocking a punch is just crazy. I just stood there, watching what could only be described as a canon event anime-ass scene happening in front of me.

but also... damn, this is shit is pretty fucking entertaining. Your sacrifice is worth it, Reiny

"Oh yeah?! Really?!" Felt snapped again, practically vibrating with rage. "Is it also your 'instinct' to go around abducting people too?! Huh?!"

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. Hah, this is so funny.

Reinhard, still looking entirely too calm for a man being accused of kidnapping, raised his hands placatingly. "I assure you, there was no ill intent for the relocation. It was for your own benefit, Miss Felt."

"Benifit my ass!" she barked. "You didn't even ask!"

Reinhard sighed. "I did plan to explain after you'd woken up and calmed down."

Felt snorted. "Calm down? How 'bout you try being locked in a room and see how calm you stay!"

Watching this, I almost burst out laughing, but held back because I really wanted to see how destructive this would get. But then, I felt a small grumbling and a pain in my stomach. holy shit i am so hungry why?

I grabbed my stomach, then quickly coughed, getting their attention, "yeah... i have no clue what is going on buuut... I wa~as told about food. So I was wondering about that. Oh right. hey felt." I gave a lazy little wave like we weren't in the middle of this ridiculous scene.

Both of them froze. Reinhard coughed awkwardly, realising only now that he'd completely forgotten about me. Felt stiffened, turning toward the sound of my voice like she hadn't even noticed I was standing there this whole time. Her eyes widened, recognition hitting her like a slap.

Reinhard cleared his throat. "Ah, yes. Shiro is right. I had prepared breakfast for the both of you. I was planning to explain everything then."

"Great," I cheered, "makes things easy."

Felt's gaze didn't leave me, though. A weird mix of emotions flickered across her face, confusion, disbelief, guilt? and... begrudging respect. "Shiro!? y-you... " her face morphed again, as she thought, she stared between us, then clicked her toung, grumbling before "Fine then, I'll follow along, but i swear if you do anything i'll kick your ass." she stared, glaring at the blazzing haired teen.

The guy just smiled politely, like he'd just been asked to hold a kitten. "Of course, Miss Felt. I assure you, I mean no harm."

.

.

.

I walked beside Felt, a little behind her while Reinhard led the way. The halls of the estate were quiet, save for the faint sounds of our footsteps. Every so often, I caught her sneaking a glance at me out of the corner of her eye, only to quickly look forward again like nothing happened.

It was kind of funny, honestly.

Eventually, after a long pause, she spoke, voice kinda gruff and awkward, like she was forcing the words out through clenched teeth. "Thanks… again. For saving me. You still went outta your way for me even when you were messed up… and… and… AND I'm really thankful you did, okay?! Just- are you good?"

I blinked, then smiled. "Yep, no pain, whoever healed me up, did great, just some chest pain is all. But that'll probably go away too. Hmm, are you fine too, i don't really remember much since i was kinda getting my ass kicked by my own body."

Felt snorted. "Yeah, well, you didn't miss much. After you went down, everything kinda wrapped up. I gave that royal thingy back, and then that guy," she jabbed a thumb at Reinhard up ahead, "started spouting some weird nonsense before knocking me out."

She huffed, crossing her arms. "Woke up locked in some fancy room like some goddamn kidnapped princess. Still hasn't told me anything. I guess you're in the same boat then?"

"Yep. Though I'm suppose I'm here 'cause Reiny hauled me off for some help," I said, throwing a look his way. Then, smirking, I leaned in a little. "Also, man, you do know you gotta ask a girl out before kidnapping her, right?"

Felt snorted at that, but I didn't stop there. I patted her on the back, lowering my voice. "But don't worry, Reinhard's like a kicked puppy. Annoyingly polite, but not a bad guy."

She let out a sharp cackle, the tension easing from her shoulders. "Alright, fine, I'll take your word for it." She grinned, then grumbled under her breath, "But if he pulls that stunt again, I'm breaking his nose."

Eventually, the three of us made it to a dining room where Reinhard cheerfully served breakfast like this was some regular, totally-not-abduction situation. Plates of steaming food were placed in front of us, and while I casually grabbed a fork, Felt just… stared at her plate like it was some kind of alien artefact.

Then, without a word, she scooped up a handful of food with her bare hand and shoved it in her mouth.

"Woah! This is actually good!" Felt exclaimed, immediately switching to shovelling more food in with both hands like a girl possessed.

I raised an eyebrow, pausing mid-bite as I watched her. Reinhard, on the other hand, looked like he was witnessing a crime against table manners.

"U-Um, Miss Felt," he started, trying to sound polite but clearly rattled, "it would be… more ladylike to use the silverware provided."

Felt shot him a sharp glare, crumbs clinging to the corner of her mouth. "I'll eat however the hell I want! And you don't get to tell me squat, kidnapper!" and shoved another mouthful in her... well... mouth.

Reinhard flinched slightly, visibly caught off guard, and wisely chose not to say anything else. which is a good choice against bombs

I snickered, leaning back a little as I eyed the table. "How fancy~" I mused, before casually picking up one of the forks, remembering without a second thought which one was actually for the main course.

What an annoying ability, I thought, my mind flashing back to that one time I accidentally memorised an entire restaurant's cutlery layout just by glancing at it once. It's handy… and a pain in the ass. especially with-

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Chapter Text

Halfway through my meal, a stray thought hit me. Wait… I still don't actually know what changed. I should've been brought to Roswaal's estate with Emilia, right? That's how it went in the anime. So what happened differently?

I set my fork down for a second, glancing at Reinhard. "Hey, Reinhard. Mind filling me in on what exactly happened after I passed out?"

He took a moment to finish chewing before answering. "Ah, of course. After you lost consciousness, Miss Emilia did her best to close most of your wounds, but I decided it would be safer to bring you to someone I trust, someone who could properly tend to you."

"I see," I murmured, cutting into another bite of food, idly playing with it on my plate as I spoke. "And what about Emilia? I'm guessing she's not here."

Reinhard gave a small nod. "Correct. She wished to bring you along, but I… reasoned it was better if I handled it. You were in far worse shape than anyone realised. I feared that if we waited even an hour longer without proper care, your internal injuries might have taken your life."

He paused, then added gently, "If you're worried about her, there's no need. Emilia-sama was unharmed through the entire ordeal. She mentioned she'd come by to check on you soon."

I sat quietly for a moment, letting the words settle. "I see. Well… sounds like everything worked out, then." I gave a small shake of my head, brushing a stray lock of hair from my face, and met Reinhard's gaze. "Thanks, though. For bringing me here. From what you're saying, sounds like I'd be dead if you hadn't."

Reinhard gave a small, modest smile at that, lowering his gaze for a moment. "There's no need to thank me. I simply did what any friend would."

He paused a moment, expression softening. "I couldn't turn my back after everything. Not when you'd risked so much for others… and not when I could still do something about it. Titles and duties aside, you're a friend, and that's all the reason I needed. Perhaps if I'd been fast enough, you wouldn't have been injured at al-"

However, during this entire conversation, a certain blonde-headed girl grew more and more restless, irritation flickering in her expression, with her foot tapping under the table until she finally snapped.

Felt shot up from her seat, slamming her palms onto the table with a sharp thud. "Don't just pretend like I'm not here! Nothing you're saying explains why I have to be here too!" she shouted, glaring between the two of us like we'd just forgotten she existed.

Reinhard, ever calm, turned toward her, but his expression shifted. That easygoing warmth faded, replaced with something firmer, quieter, and serious. "Before I give you an explanation, I would like to reconfirm something." Then, he quickly rose from his chair and stepped over to her, reaching into his pocket. His hand opened, palm up, revealing a small, familiar red-jewelled insignia.

Felt's eyes widened. "Wait… you had one of those things too?!"

Reinhard nodded. "Miss Felt, if you would… hold this for a moment."

She scowled, eyeing it like it might bite, but hesitantly took it. Last time she'd touched one of those, she got bombarded with questions and then knocked out. Still, hoping to get this over with faster, she complied.

The second it settled in her palm, the gem glowed faintly.

Felt blinked down at it. "Huh? Wait… it always does that, right?"

Reinhard's gaze didn't waver. "No. It only reacts this way to priestesses chosen by the Dragon."

A beat of silence passed before he returned to his seat, leaving Felt holding the insignia, her face stuck somewhere between confusion and irritation.

"There's no mistaking it," Reinhard said, voice steady. "The Dragon's Insignia has acknowledged you, Miss Felt."

"Eh?!" Felt's head whipped towards him, her finger jabbing in his direction in an accusatory manner. "Hold up! What the hell does that even mean?! What are you even talking about!?" 

Reinhard folded his hands neatly. "In Lugnica, during times when the royal bloodline fails and no heir remains, we entrust the choice of our next ruler to the Divine Dragon. By ancient decree, five priestesses are chosen by fate and marked by the Dragon's Insignia. Those five will contest in what's known as the Royal Selection - a trial to decide who out of the five is worthy of becoming the next ruler of this kingdom. The people of Lugunica decide the winner."

I kept eating through all of it, not feeling the need to get involved.... but even if I had no reason to. It's not like it won't be funny to tease. "Is that so? Then doesn't that mean she's a princess? What an amusing turn of events. Who would have thought?" I then continued to eat, as Felt's gaze snapped to me, before she shouted again. 

Felt's head snapped toward me, eyes blazing. "Wait a goddamn minute! There's no way in hell I'm some kind of princess!" she snapped right back to Reinhard. 

Reinhard, patient as ever, replied smoothly. "In this case, whether you wish to be or not is irrelevant. The Divine Dragon has recognised you as a priestess and candidate for the throne. There's no undoing that. However, I would be honoured to assist you in any way, Lady Felt."

"Well, I never asked to be ruler of this stupid country!" Felt barked back, slamming her palm against the table again.

Reinhard visibly faltered, a hint of confusion breaking through his calm. "So… you don't wish to participate in the Royal Selection?"

"HELL NO!" Felt shot back without hesitation. "I get to choose what I want to do with my life, not some dumb ancient lizard or some damn glowing red rock!"

Reinhard brought a hand to his chin in thought, frowning faintly. "I… hadn't anticipated this reaction. But yes, if you truly wish it, you have the right to withdraw."

"I can decline? Then why the hell am I still here!?" Felt snapped, her temper flaring. True to form, she bolted forward and aimed a kick at him, which Reinhard effortlessly caught midair and gently lowered without so much as a blink.

"Please don't worry, Lady Felt," he replied smoothly. "There's still a reason you're needed here."

"Stop keeping me in the damn dark already! Just tell me what I gotta do so I can get outta this mess!" she barked, crossing her arms, glaring daggers at him.

Reinhard gave a calm nod. "Once the Royal Selection is formally announced, you'll have the opportunity to officially withdraw."

"That's it, right? No other dumb crap you're hiding from me?" she demanded.

He paused briefly at the language, but ultimately nodded. "As far as I'm aware, that's how it stands."

Felt let out a long, frustrated sigh and slumped back in her chair. "Fine, fine. When's this thing even happening?"

Reinhard considered for a moment. "Unfortunately, I can't give you a precise date. There are too many variables - political tensions, preparations, and the readiness of the other candidates. It could take a while. Perhaps a month, if fortune favours us."

Felt shot up from her seat again, scowling. "A month!? You're telling me I'm stuck here for a goddamn month!?"

"If all proceeds smoothly, then yes," he confirmed with a sharp nod, unfazed by her rising agitation.

She growled, visibly restraining herself, then slumped back in her seat with an irritated sigh. "You really are good at pissing me off. It's like a goddamn talent." A second later, she jabbed a finger at Reinhard. "Fine, but things better go smooth, or I'll kick your ass so hard you'll forget what peace even means!"

The knight let out a light laugh at the threat. "Then I'll be sure to work twice as hard, Miss Felt."

An awkward silence briefly hung in the air before I decided to speak up. "How informative, but I must ask. Am I free to leave?"

"Oh, Shiro—um, well," Reinhard started, glancing over, "I'd like to be certain your injuries are fully healed before that, but I don't see any probl-"

"Like hell you are! If I'm stuck in this mess, then you're staying in it with me till the end! You got that?!" Felt cut in sharply, pointing straight at me.

I blinked, then snorted in amusement. Huh. Unexpected, but cute. I wonder why she's this attached, though?

"Oh, no, no. You're mistaken," I said, grinning. "I don't plan on leaving. If Rein is willing to let me stay, I'll stick around. Besides, I can't just leave you here, especially knowing how alone you'd be~" I teased.

Then I stepped closer and reached up to ruffle her hair. "I've got nowhere else to go anyway, so might as well stay put."

Felt flinched at the contact, clearly not expecting it. Her expression shifted rapidly, from enjoyment, to annoyance, to anger, and something unfamiliar, before she finally exploded, pushing my hand away. "H-HEY QUIT IT! It's just fair, ok! B-but don't touch me out of nowhere, like that!" She stepped out of the head pat range while pushing my hand.

Now, if I were a brainless idiot (cough cough, lolimance, cough cough), I would've evaded her boundaries and kept ruffling, but I am not. I knew that this was enough for her comfort levels. 

"Alright alright, fine~" I chuckled, holding my hands up. "but you didn't den~y the loneliness pa~art~" 

"HEY!" she barked, turning her head sharply and crossing her arms with a loud, pointed hmph. "Don't be a dumbass. As if."

"So you're denying my friendship, then? Oh, how miserable I am… Rejected! How shall I go on?" I clutched at my chest dramatically.

But out of the corner of my eye, I caught her sneaking a glance at me, lips twitching into an amused smile. "Hah! Maybe try harder next time."

Reinhard, still wearing that serene knightly smile, stepped forward. "If I may, I'd like to make a suggestion. I believe two friends might enjoy partaking in activities like sparring… or perhaps a walk through the shopping district," he smiled, trying to be friendly.

turning around, I said, "Huh, not a bad idea. Though I suppose I'll be unfit for combat for a while, so the better option is probably to hit the market for a bit. Of course, if you're paying. im broke as fu-hell."

Felt snorted. "That doesn't sound bad. But will he even let us out?" Her expression twitched into a faint scowl.

Reinhard nodded thoughtfully. "If it's the three of us, I see no issue. In fact, I intended to visit someone today anyway. Besides, I never said you couldn't go outside."

Felt's head snapped up. "Wait—so I can leave!?"

He shook his head. "It's… a little more complicated. Until the Royal Selection business is settled, I have to keep you within my custody."

Felt growled, stomping a foot. "I already told you, don't treat me like some kinda dog!"

Reinhard blinked, tilting his head like a puzzled puppy himself. "I'm sorry, Miss Felt, but I don't recall ever implying such a thing."

"Don't play dumb! You keep saying I gotta stay with you all the damn time, like some goddamn mutt!"

"That is correct, but i still don't see where you being compared to a dog was brought up?"

"That's correct," Reinhard said with an earnest nod. "But… I still don't see where a comparison to a dog was made."

I grinned. "Maybe it's 'cause she instinctively thinks of herself as one, you know, because of the bit—OW!?"

I barely got halfway through before Felt's teeth sank into my hand.

"IF I HEAR YOU SAY THAT AGAIN, I'LL SHOVE A DOG IN YOUR FACE!"

"Alright, alright! Sorry, sorry, I surrender!" I laughed, pulling my hand away and waving it in mock surrender. "How about we just go out already?"

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A beat of quiet passed before Felt let out a sigh. "Yeah… yeah, that actually sounds kinda nice."

"A walk would do us good," Reinhard agreed with a calm smile.

Then, Felt kicked him in the shin. No warning, no reason, ok maybe reason. But the red-headed trauma weapon had no understanding of it.