Chapter Text
The day began as any other would. Subaru had just woken up and was making his rounds around the mansion. By his side was Beatrice or Beako as Subaru would put it. Ever since the events of the first mansion's destruction almost a year ago, the two have become inseparable.
Subaru: “Hey Beako, you mind if I walk around by myself today? I kind of have something important I need to do today.”
Beatrice: “Oh and what’s so important that you would abandon me, I suppose? Hmmm, oh does it have to do with our contract becoming a year old soon. If it’s a gift for Betty then I have no problem letting you do what you need in fact.”
Subaru: “Oh man it really has almost been a year since that happened… I mean, I am working on the gift for you, but…” His grip tightens ever so slightly as his face starts to show a hint of sadness.
Beatrice: “I see. It’s been exactly a year since she fell asleep.” She looked at Subaru not knowing what to say, she rarely saw her contractor this openly sad where others could see it. “Do what you need to do. Betty will be here when you need her, I suppose.”
Subaru: Wiping his free arm over his face. “Thankyou Beako, I feel like the luckiest guy in the world to have an incredible partner like you.”
Beatrice: Grinning, “Well that goes without saying. Betty truly is the only spirit for Subaru in fact.”
Subaru: Lets go of Beatrices hand. “Thanks a million, I will make it up to you when our day comes.” He then proceeds to run off down the hall.
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Ram: “Well, where do you seem to be in a hurry to Barusu?”
Subaru: “Morning Ram-chi, I was just getting some things together so I could prepare for today.”
Ram: “And what might I ask are you preparing for? Did Otto and Garf come up with another hair-brained scheme?”
Subaru: “Nothing like that, I just…” Subaru shakes his head. “ I want to have everything I need done so I can have some extra time tonight.”
Ram: “Pervert.”
Subaru: “You act like I’m trying to do something creepy!”
Ram: “When it comes to you, everything is suspect. Go on, get what you need done so the day can continue.”
Subaru: “Oh, that reminds me. Do you know where everyone is?”
Ram: “Roswaal-Sama is in his study going over paperwork with Otto. Garf is goofing off on that playground the two of you made. Frederica and Petra are busy preparing lunch. And I believe Emilia-Sama is studying.”
Subaru: “I’m gonna ignore that you just dissed my amazing training course, because I need to get on with my day. Thanks for the info Ram.” With this Subaru makes his speedy exit.
Ram: Mumbling under her breath, “Don’t overdo it stupid Barusu.”
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Subaru: “Knock knock, I’m coming in.”
Roswaal: “Ah Subaaaaru, your timing seems to be as impeccable as always. Myself and Otto were just going over the details on what we can classify as your knightly achievements.”
Otto: "That's correct. I wanted to compile all the achievements our camp has acquired so I can get a better understanding on where we stand in the royal selection. Right now I am working on listing everything you have done.”
Subaru: “Makes sense, well if I am remembering correctly, it started with the alliance I secured with the Crusch camp in order to boost Emilia's public image. Then, with that alliance and the assistance of Anastasia's mercenary team, the White Whale was slain. Shortly after that, I led both armies to defeat the archbishop of sloth and the witch cultists surrounding him. And lastly, nearly a week later, me and Beako cornered and defeated the Great Rabbit. Wait, now that I put it into words I really have done a lot haven’t I?”
Otto: “That would be an understatement. Anything else you can think of that you accomplished over the time since the selection began?”
Subaru: "There's my contract with Beatrice. Because of my unknown ability to remember people, the discovery of who causes the sleeping beauty like disease and other memory related problems. The destruction of both tomes of wisdom, but I don’t think that really needs to be aired out for people to know.”
Otto: “Yeah I’m not gonna add that last one to my notes. I think that's all we need at this moment. The only person I need to talk to now is Emilia, but I’ll wait until after she’s done with her studying and after I get the new pile of paperwork in my office done.”
Subaru: “You’ve got even more paperwork to do. How do you never have free time? Maybe you’re just not as hard of a worker as I thought you were.”
Otto: “For your information, most of this work I get sent is updating and informing the capital of your status as an official knight!”
Subaru: “Geez Otto take a joke why don’t you. We all know you work hard. Well if you don’t need me anymore, I’ve got to be off!”
With that, Subaru makes a quick escape out the door.
Roswaal: “Oh my, didn’t he seem to be in a hurry today.”
Otto: “I think I understand why, I just hope he doesn’t overdo it today.”
Roswaal: “Indeed, no good would come from him if he lets his emotions control himself.”
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Petra: “Hold it right there Subaru!”
Subaru: “Woah there petra, what's the problem?”
Petra: “You are if you enter that room now, you’ll be in a world of hurt from Frederica-neesama and me!”
Subaru: He peers into the room to notice it had been recently mopped and cleaned from top to bottom. Not a hint of dirt or dust in sight, “I see what you mean. Damn this room looks spotless! Are we expecting guests anytime soon?”
Petra: “Not today, but I heard Annerose-sama and Clind-sama might be coming to visit very soon. So I’ve been deep cleaning rooms so their stay will be more pleasant.”
Subaru: “Nice thinking, or was this Frederica’s idea?”
Petra: Making a pouty face. “You know Subaru, it’s rude to assume that my hard work was only good because someone told me what to do.”
Subaru: “I know, I know.” Subaru begins to pat Petra’s head. “You did an awesome job Petra”
Petra: She begins to blush as she receives the head pats. “Thank you Subaru-sama.”
Subaru: “Well looks like I’ll have to take a detour, but that won’t stop me from doing what I got to do. Continue the good work Petra.”
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Emilia can be seen going through various books as she studies for the royal selection. Her focus and dedication does little to help when a certain black haired trouble maker sneaks his way into the room.
Subaru: “Emilia-tan! How has your day been going?”
Emilia: She jumps in her seat not expecting the sudden visit. “Subaru! You know it’s so rude to scare people like that when they are working hard.”
Subaru: “Man everyone keeps assuming I’m purposefully being rude today. I didn’t mean to cause you any stress by my presence. A thousand apologies Emilia-tan.”
Emilia: “It’s alright, what brings you here? Does someone need me?”
Subaru: “Now Emilia, you know it’s so rude to assume I’m only here because someone needs something. Can’t your ever so loyal knight just want to spend some quality time with his ever so important princess.”
Emilia: “Not if said knight only came here to tease me. Geez Subaru, you can be a real dunderhead sometimes.”
Subaru: “Who says dunderhead in this day and age.”
Both of them let out light hearted laughs as they spend their time together.
Subaru: “Man you sure got to know a whole lot to run a country, don’t ya.”
Emilia: “That is true, but compared to everything else, this is easy work.” She clenches onto the blue stone she has hung around her neck. “If only Puck was here to see how far we have all come.”
Subaru: “Don’t worry about it. We’ll see him again real soon. I’ve got a good feeling about it.”
Emilia: “Well if it is one of your feelings then it must be true. Just a little longer Puck.”
Subaru: Takes notice of the time currently on the clock. “Welp, looks like I’ve gotta head on out of here, don’t wanna be late.”
Emilia: “Late for what Subaru?”
Subaru: “Oh nothing too important, I just…” The words he needed to say wouldn’t leave him, as if he was unable to express what really needed to be said at that moment. “I made a promise, and I’m trying better to keep them.”
Emilia: Shows of concern appear on her face. “I see, well don’t let me break your promise.”
Subaru: “Thanks Emilia-tan, will talk more later.”
As Subaru leaves the room, Emilia fully puts down her books and other items she was working with.
Emilia: “Subaru… I wish you were just a tiniest bit more open with your feelings.”
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The day progressed and Subaru is seen standing in front of a door.
Subaru: “... I’m coming in.” He enters a dimly lit room, curtains left open and a lone stool placed beside a bed. In the bed was a blue haired girl, silently sleeping there with no signs of waking. “Hello Rem. Hard to believe it has been a year now. I made sure to finish everything I needed to do today so I could give you some extra time. Today was pretty normal. Ram treated me in the same fashion as she normally does, she even teased me a bit for wanting to be here sooner in the day.”
Subaru’s breathing was unsteady as he talked about the day to the girl.The gaps between his words grew wider until he stopped talking all together. Suddenly tears started to flow down his face, unable to contain his own despair.
Subaru: “I’m sorry Rem. I’m so sorry Rem.” he started to cry, closing his eyes as he continued to speak. “I’m supposed to be your hero, but what kind of hero am I when I couldn’t even save you that day.” The tears fell off his face onto the blanket on top of her. He couldn’t control himself anymore as he let out all of his pain and guilt he had buried over the past year.
As he continued to cry, Subaru suddenly felt something grab onto his arm. He froze, he didn’t dare open his eyes yet. He didn’t hear the sound of anyone else coming into the room and yet someone had grabbed his arm. He opened his eyes slowly, he was looking down at the blanket. Turning his head ever so slightly he saw an arm covered in a blue gown reaching and grabbing his arm.
???: “Subaru-kun… why are you crying?”
The calm and gentle voice hit him with all the force in the world. He finally allowed himself to look towards her face and there he saw her. The girl, no Rem, was awake and looking at him with a confused face. The tears began to flow even faster, snot starting to flow from his nose.
Subaru: “Is this real… I must be dreaming right now.” He started to shake uncontrollably. He was now looking into the pale blue eyes of the girl in front of him. “REM!” he shouted as he lunged towards her, embracing her.
Rem: “SUBARU!?! Are you okay? What's causing you to act this way?” She was genuinely confused why Subaru was in this state of sadness and panic.
Subaru: “REM. REM! YOU’RE AWAKE REM! REM!” He cried out.
Rem: “Subaru please it’s embarrassing having you on top of me like this. Not that I don't mind, but please tell me what happened.” She slowly removed him off of her as she sat up right.
Subaru: He slowly calmed himself down, wiping the snot and tears off of his face only for new tears to replace them. “You were asleep Rem. sleeping for exactly a year today. I was so worried for you and I didn’t know how to wake you up and I…”
Subaru's head was then gently brought towards Rem's chest. Her head resting on top of his.
Rem: “It's okay now. Please calm down. Your Rem is here now, and she doesn’t plan on leaving anytime soon.” She caressed his head as she tried to soothe the boy. “Take your time.”
Subaru: His words started to stagger as he tried his best and failed to calmly explain “I’m just so happy… you're awake again. After we found you… after Gultony attacked you, you were just gone.” He lifted his head to look at her again. He showed her how ugly his face had become. “And because of what happened I had to remember for everyone.”
Rem: A worried look appeared onto her face. “Subaru, what do you mean by that? Remember for everyone?”
Subaru: His breathing paused, his voice started to tremble. “When Gultony attacked you… he used his power and he… he stole your name and memories. From what I was told, when your memories are taken you forget everything you knew. When your name is taken…” It suddenly got harder to breathe. Nothing was stopping him from finishing the sentence except for a primal fear that rose up in him. A fear he did not want to impart onto the person right in front of him. “When your name is taken… everyone else forgets about you.”
Rem: The color drained from her face. “So you and nii-sama and everyone else forgot me…”
Subaru: “I didn’t forget Rem.” He cut her off. “I don’t know why or how I didn't forget, but I remember everything.” He grabbed her hand with both of his. “Like how you let me sneak off to the meeting for the royal selection, and how you held my hand as I slept after the mabeast attack, and how you told me everything I needed to hear at the plaza in the capital. I kept you close and I made sure to tell everyone just how important you are to me.”
Rem: Tears in her eyes slowly began to fall. “Rems hero really is demonicly inspired.”
They both sat there crying and leaning on each other. Subaru didn’t want this moment to end, the happiness he felt right here and now, he wished it would last forever.
Rem: Looking around the room, she let out a confused face. “Where are we Subaru-kun? This doesn't look like the mansion.”
Subaru: “A lot has happened and…” When Subaru looked up he noticed they were not in the same dimly lit room. The room was white with plain and simple decorations. Even the stool he was sitting on was not the same stool that was once there. The bed even had different sheets and a different frame adorning it. “This isn’t the mansion. How did we get here?”
He looked towards the door, a bright light shining from underneath it.
Subaru: “Give me one moment Rem. I need to check something.”
He stood up and placed his ear towards the door. He couldn’t hear anything. It was too quiet.
Subaru: “I know it's rude of me to ask, but do you think you can walk?”
Rem: She stood up from the bed and began to move around like normal. No it was too normal. For having been asleep for a year, she was too able to move around like nothing happened. “I seem to be fine.”
Subaru: He didn’t dig too deep on why Rem seemed more than fine at the moment. “Stay close, I think we need to explore and find out where we are.”
They both walked towards the door and opened it slowly. It was a plain hallway with room after room.there looked to be almost 30 no 40 rooms as they walked down the hallway. When they reached the end, they came into a room with a large black glass pane. In front of it seemed to be a large amount of chairs.
Subaru: “Is this a movie theatre?"
???: “SUBARU!”
???: “CAPTAIN!”
???: “SUBARU-SAMA”
As he turned his head he saw Garfiel, Petra, and Emilia running over towards him all shouting his name. But none were faster than the pink blur that sprinted towards Rem. Ram had almost fallen to the ground as she ran only to stop herself to embrace her sister.
Ram: She fell to her knees as she brought Rem with her. “Right now, for the first time in her life, Ram is feeling disappointed in herself.” She was shaking, her eyes were watery. For one in the very very few moments in her life, Ram was completely vulnerable. “So, so sorry, Rem. Myself is deplorable.”
Rem: “Nee-sama…” tears welling in her eyes as well.
Ram: “Even after loving you, cherishing you so much, Rem, to have forgotten you and kept on living till this day, just how heartless was Ram as your Nee-sama.”
The two sat on the floor embracing each other. A sight no one in the room was ready to see.
Subaru: “I guess that means everyone else remembers Rem too.” a soft smile, no, a real smile sat on his face. One brighter than any shown in the past year.
Emilia: “When I saw her enter the room with you it was almost like a flood of emotions surged in me, but I knew I wouldn't dare take this moment from Ram.” She takes a good look at Subaru’s face. His eyes were red and tear marks were visible on his face. “I see you are doing a bit better as well?”
Subaru: “That’s one way to put it. To be honest I don't think I cried that hard in a long time. Man, what kind of guy cries all over a girl who just got better from a horrible sickness?”
Emilia: “The same one who would cry on the lap of a girl after the stress of working so hard to impress others.”
Subaru: “So how did we all end up here? I was distracted by Rem waking up that I didn't notice anything before just a few moments ago.
Emilia: “Eh… you don’t know either Subaru?”
Garfiel: “It was really bizarre. The last thing I remember doing before I got here was blinking captain. Just one moment walking the halls then the next I was here.”
Petra: “Same here. It was like I was never in the mansion in the first place.”
A certain clown began to make his approach.
Roswaal: “Indeeeeed. And I didn’t even sense a lick of mana when it happened. But it appears we are not the only ones who are here.”
Roswaal points towards the front of the room where we see a short blonde attempting to assault a red haired knight.
Felt: “Rein what's the meaning of this. Why did you bring me to such a strange room?”
Reinhard: “Felt-sama, I am not at liberty to say why we are here at this moment, only that it is for a good reason.”
Felt: “WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?”
Subaru: “Yo Reinhard, Felt. You guys are here too?”
Reinhard: eyes open a little wider as he hears Subaru's voice.”Subaru, I see we are not alone. It’s pleasant to see you again even in these circumstances.”
Felt: “Subaru, you guys are here too. I thought Rein forced me here but now this is looking more complicated.”
Subaru: “The common conscientious seems to be everyone just appeared here like they were always here. A ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ kind of feel.”
Felt: “That so.” Felt takes a look at the crowd by the back of the theatre. “Isn’t that girl who was always asleep? When she wake up?”
Subaru: “Just about 5 minutes ago. I’m starting to think wherever we are, this place can undo the effects of gluttony and other such curses.”
Felt: “Damn, well ain’t that convenient. So is this all the people that are supposed to be here? Why did me and Rein get summoned here, but nearly your entire damn camp got summoned?”
Subaru took a quick look around the room. Next to Rem and Ram stood Emilia, Garfiel, Roswaal and Petra. Sleeping on one of the chairs was what appeared to be an inebriated Otto with Frederica trying her best to sober him up.
Subaru: “Weird I don’t see Beatrice anywhere. Maybe she hasn’t covered her eyes yet or something.”
???: “I’m telling ya, there's no way two royal candidates just get randomly transported to a nearly all white building. It’s not normal.”
???: “No matter the case, I won’t say this isn’t a complete waste of time. It seems my personal need to search for gluttony has come to an end.”
???: “That’s right. Noyw we can focus better on the royal selection and better show why Crusch-sama is the only right choice for the throne.”
???: “Come now, you say that like you expect everything to be handed to her. Oh, it seems we are not alone.”
???: “Right you are Julius-dono.”
Walking out of the opposite hallway came Crusch, Anastasia, Felix, Julius, and Wilhelm respectfully.
Subaru: “Yo how's everyone doing?”
Julius: “I see you’re as relaxed as ever Subaru.”
Subaru: “eahhhh? Why would I be relaxed in a situation like this? Transported against my will, with more and more people showing up by the minute and no explanation on why this is happening. Only a weirdo like you would think I’m relaxed.”
Julius: “At least I know this is the real you. I don’t think I have met anyone else that would act quite like you.”
They both let out a grin as they speak to one another.
Subaru: He began to walk around the room inspecting the area. “This is really weird though. This place looks just like a movie theatre.”
Felix: “A movie theatre? What in the world is that nyah?”
Subaru: “Hmmmm, think of it as a place where you could view moving and talking images.” He stops himself. “Wait, no, think of it as the mirror metia that allows you to speak to others and see their face, but instead you can’t talk to them and you can see and hear much more of their surroundings. Almost like a place for entertainment.”
Anastasia: “Now that sounds like something that could make a lot of money. Think of what the nobility would pay for an experience like that.”
Subaru: “I think it would be kind of hard to replicate. It requires a little more than…AGH!” as he was talking he had tripped and fell over the now newly arrived Beatrice.
Beatrice: “Subaru could you please get off of me I suppose.”
Subaru: “Ah Beako, I was wondering where you were.” He pulled himself and Beatrice off the ground.
Beatrice: “I was in the mansion when I noticed Emilia vanished right in front of me in fact. Before I could react, the others each vanished one by one.”
Subaru: “What kept you from getting here sooner? Sounds like you found out what the cause was.”
Beatrice: grinning as smugly as she could. “But of course. I noticed when two separate people had either blinked or closed their eyes, that was the moment they vanished. However… I hadn’t even done either, I heard someone's voice behind me and turned around only to be summoned here I suppose.”
Subaru: “Do you know whose voice it was?”
Beatrice: "It's hard to tell. They were soft spoken and sounded like they were far away. I couldn’t even tell what they said, I just heard them in fact.” Beatrice started to think more about it. ~ Why did the voice sound kind of like Subaru’s? ~
Roswaal: “It would seeeeeeem that any change in vision would cause people to gather here. Rather the perplexing situation.”
Emilia: “I wonder why we were all brought here. If this really is like the room you described, do you think we’ll be shown something?”
Wilhelm: “It appears that we are already being told what to do.” He gestures towards the screen as instructions begin to play out.
Everyone please take your seats so we may begin the viewing experience.
Garfiel: “This is feeling way too strange. Nothin been explained to us.”
Frederica: “This also feels like too specific of a group to bring here to view something. With 4 of the 5 royal candidates here, we should try and look for a way out.”
Ram: Now standing holding onto Rem’s hand. “I, for one, am against leaving so soon. We still do not know if the effects of gluttony will return if we try to escape. Surely there must be an important reason we were all summoned here.”
Crusch: “I’m in agreement with Ram, was it. I know I personally have much to lose by leaving and potentially losing my memories again, but I would rather like to know what is about to be shown.”
Felt: “Hey Rein, you think you could bust us out of here whenever you wanted?”
Reinhard: As he walks over to the nearest wall, a chill goes down his back as sweat begins to form. “No, I don't believe I could. For one, I can’t feel any of my divine protections currently.”
Julius: “What do you mean by that, what power could suppress you?” The knight takes a moment to look around as well. “Wait, where are my buds?”
Roswaal: “It appears access to my gate has been severed from me. Whoever trapped us here doesn’t appear to want us leaving anytime soon.”
Subaru: “Looks like we don’t even get a vote. I guess this means we have to watch what's about to pop up on the screen. Seeing as there are plenty of rooms with beds, we might be here a while as well.”
Petra: “I did happen to find a room full of food and water too. So whoever or whatever summoned us doesn’t want to hurt us, it seems.”
Subaru: “Nice find Petra.” He sticks his thumb up to the young maid.
Anastasia: “There’s no point lingering on this now. Might as well all pick a seat we like so we can get through this in a reasonable time. Who knows this might even pertain to the royal selection as well, given our current company.”
With that everyone made their way to a seat of their choosing.
Garfiel: “Hey Otto, time to wake up!” Garfiel then delivers a good smack to the back of Otto's head.
Otto: “OOWWW. Garf I was awake for most of the conversation, you didn’t have to hit me so hard. I already have a bad enough headache as is without you adding on to it.”
Garfiel: “Then why didn’t you add to the conversation at all?”
Otto: “People fighting a hangover tend to like to stay silent to better focus. Not like you would know you child.”
Garfiel: “My bad my bad.”
THANK YOU FOR TAKING YOUR SEATS. THIS THEATRE WILL NOW EXPLAIN HOW THE VIEWING WILL WORK.
Felix: “Finally some direction.”
OUTBURSTS WILL PAUSE THE VIEWING, THIS ROOM REQUIRES TOTAL ATTENTION FOR THE INFORMATION BEING PRESENTED.
Crusch: “I’m to take it that we are supposed to discuss with each what we see as we see it then.”
Wilhelm: “If that is the case, then the information being provided will have to be of importance.”
VIOLENCE IS STRICTLY FORBINNON. ANYONE WHO ATTEMPTS TO HARM ANOTHER WILL BE RESTRANDED OR PUNISHED AS THIS THEATRE SEES FIT.
Julius: “Just what will be watching that would cause us to fight each other?”
Felt: “From the sounds of it, nothin good.”
LASTLY, FEEL FREE TO GRAB ANY FOOD OR BEVERAGES TO FURTHER ENHANCE YOUR VIEWING EXPERIENCE.
Ram: “Wait here Rem, you must be hungry after a year without your sister's excellent cooking.”
Rem: “I’ll enjoy whatever you bring me Nee-sama.”
Felt: “Hey Rein, grab me some food too.”
Reinhard: He passes her some popcorn. “I have already acquired you some food, Felt-sama.”
THERE IS ONE OTHER RULE BUT IT WILL BE DISPLAYED ONLY WHEN NECESSARY. WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, PLEASE ENJOY THE SHOW!
Otto: “I don’t like it. Why would a rule need to remain hidden until something specific happens?”
Frederica: “That does sound strange. Would it not be better for us to know all the rules right at the beginning?”
Crusch: “Perhaps something with the viewing has to occur first before the rule can take into effect.”
Felt: stuffing her mouth. “Not like it matters right now. I just wanna watch what's about to play. Beats asking questions we ain’t gonna get answers to.”
Everyone gets comfortable in their seats as the screen lights up
The scene opens up on the image of Subaru holding open a book.
Subaru: “Is that me?“
Episode One, Start!