Taking place on a resounding beach, I could hear the seagulls gawking across the ocean blue. Reclined to being on soft sand, I noticed someone standing behind me...unrecognizable...at first. My vision was blurry as I stared at the personage.

Jiro: Where am I? Felt? Reinhard

???: Jiro?! Why did you leave me behind...

Jiro: Who's there? 

???: Poor Ren. I can't believe you weren't able to recognize me.

Jiro: Show yourself! Now!

???: As you wish...But be warned the choices you make will affect your "family"?

-Seeing a whitening smile appear in the darkness, the shadowy figure kept moving side to side- 

Jiro: It can't be...S-S-Subaru? <shocked>

Fake Subaru: What? Disappointed to see me, figured. You're the one person in the world who would understand me....and everything I'm going through. But, you clearly don't care...Why don't you care, Ren Jiro?

Jiro: I do! I do care! Please, Subaru...let me---

Fake Subaru: "Help"...heh <debating> so cliche! I don't need you...it seems you have your own personal interests...

Jiro: (Honest) Well, I actually do...Felt might be in trouble and I gotta do everything in my power to protect her from---

Fake Subaru: From who? Elsa?! The woman will find you again, Jiro. And once she does, there will be nothing stopping her from killing your so called "little sister"...huh that does sound weird. Ren Jiro has a sister and actually cares for someone imaginative... <shouts> WAKE UP!!!

Jiro: (Tired) What do you want from me, imposter?

Fake Subaru: Nothing in particular but...the idea of wanting to see what decision you would make...and I will "judge" you fairly based on that very choice. 

Jiro: That's all? I thought you would---try harming me. 

Fake Subaru: No...but I do wanna show you this <evil smirk>

-Waving his hand to drift the mist away from my perspective...I could see a "castle"...not the one I'm living in...this is quite smaller...-

Jiro: What are you trying to show me?

Fake Subaru: You are still blind after I granted you the "sight"...poor child...look closer.

-Then that's what hits me...the visual of Subaru falling asleep....as if he was in some type of coma. I knew he would awaken but the images kept flipping...meanwhile I saw him...suffer-

Jiro: (Scarred) STOP! I DO NOT WANT TO SEE THE FUTURE?! <shutting his eyes>

Fake Subaru: Oh! But, you can't my dear child....Because it already happened...My, My! <checking the flip-phone clock> it was a few days ago...hehe

Jiro: What's so funny? Can't you see...my friend is in pain and needs me---

Fake Subaru: And why should I care about that "loser"?

Jiro: Watch your fucking tone, girl. He's more capable of doing something right compared to you...Why am I even talking to someone like you anyways? 

Fake Subaru: (Angry) YOU DON'T KNOW A SINGLE THING ABOUT ME! 

Jiro: You're right...I don't...<pauses> care...enough to find out.

Fake Subaru: Arrogant Monkey. How dare you speak to me in such a manner?

Jiro: (Refusing to listen) ................

Fake Subaru: Say something, Ugh! <stomps her feet and crosses her arms in a pouty position.> Fine, I guess I'll leave you without any answers then. Say goodbye to all your hopes of finding out who killed Subaru?

Jiro: Impossible...

Fake Subaru: Nothing is "impossible" Ren Jiro. This world is beyond such comprehension for a simpleton like yourself to understand. He has already died...hmm...three times? In total?

Jiro: Three? I knew he died twice from Elsa but for a third time? Who would do something like this?

-Morphing into a small girl--her face was still covered but the body expressions don't lie-

Mystery Girl: The one's who are closest to him <gripping her fist>

Jiro: (Questioning) It can't be me...so who could do---Emilia? There's no way...She made a solemn promise to save Subaru. That girl wouldn't dare do something out of her own interest. Even if he is annoying...

Mystery Girl: You are incorrect...again. Dolt! She had no part of his "murder". Another person was willing to kill him in order to deal with their "problem".

Jiro: Will you reveal the jackass who killed him?

Mystery Girl: No...I cannot. I am forbidden from doing such things for a "mortal".

Jiro: (Begging) But I truly need to know for sure...how would I be able to stop them from hurting Subaru? If I don't know whom it is. 

Mystery Girl: You think your so smart...so figure it out. And quit "begging" me for help. I'm not like Elsa...who would be satisfied with a man's moping.

Jiro: Wait?! You know Elsa?

Mystery Girl: Not particularly but...we---have---history.

-zzz.FLASH.zzz-

-Opening my eyes, I arose out of bed quickly and panted...causing someone nearby to shriek in fear. In a pit of sweat, my body couldn't handle the distress it seems. Standing up, I was soon about to reach the door before I "felt" someone behind me...turning around I saw her. FELT XD-

Felt: And where do you think you're going, Dork?

Jiro: Umm...to get some water...

Felt: (Disbelief) Uh huh, get back here. You're not fully healed yet. After, that fight...

Jiro: Fight? <Very confused> 

-But, If Subaru dies...doesn't the game restart to the latest save...unless...I make my own save point! Loading into the game, I was unconscious so maybe the game did restart, and possibly the memories of those who saw me duel were able keep them? I don't know exactly but ok...-

Felt: Yeah, I'm actually happy a "loser" like you was able to win against that pedo. He definitely deserved an ass-whooping after talking about me. Also! The guy was the one who struck you unconscious after losing...good thing that "cowardly knight" was excommunicated...

Jiro: (Frowns) Oh...

Felt: Are you sad that he's gone? I didn't know you were interested in men, Jiro? <smug>

-Furious at her snarky remark, I dug my fingers through her hair and ruffled it making the little one nauseous from the shake-

Jiro: Had enough?

Felt: Y-burp-Yeah...

Jiro: Good...

-Trying to leave before being pulled back by Felt again-

Felt: Wait, don't you wanna tell me about your nightmares? What's bothering you so much?

Jiro: Umm...I'd rather not say...Might think I'm crazy.

Felt: Oh! Please! I already known you for my entire life. We did come out the same womb didn't we? So, you could trust me! Ooh, IS IT ABOUT A GIRL? LEMME GUESS! ELSA!

Jiro: (Awkward) WAH-T, NO! EW! She would definitely catch a case! 

Felt: So, what is it? Tell me! Tell me!

Jiro: (Serious tone) It was about Subaru? I saw him in a lot of pain and couldn't bare to see him any longer. I failed him, Felt....I left him behind...Again...

Felt: Well, I don't think so...

Jiro: Oh yeah, and why is that?

Felt: Well, for starters. You did risk your life and freedom to save my sorry-ass. Secondly, Subaru is much more indebted to you because of the times you told me in your sleep "I'm always there for you...my friend"....or "Elsa won't dare touch you again, I swear"...Don't you see Jiro. You aren't a bad friend and DID NOT ABANDON HIM. 

Jiro: <Remains silent> .........................

-Allowing my sister to continue her kind gestures, she kept going-

Felt: Not just that, but for all the times you stayed by his side no matter what came your way is certainly admirable....and also, putting in a good word for the him...hehe Emilia must be in love to know that her savior risk his life to protect who he cares deeply about. Can't you see! You're already doing a fine job...and I couldn't have gotten through these obstacles without your help, big brothers. That's what inspire to be, like you! 

-Smiling after she finished her compelling statement, I couldn't but be...truly proud of the woman she's turning out to become-

Jiro: Once again, you have never disappointed me...and I will always love you for that <kissing her forehead while hugging her> I just wanna keep you both safe. That's my only wish. 

-Crying my eyes out, Felt embraced me and snuggled into my chest while she spoke-

Felt: As long as we're together...we'll never have to worry, hehe. We are an unstoppable duo overall. Anyone would be terrified of us.

Jiro: (Chuckles) Can't disagree <squeezing tighter>

Felt: (Gasp for air) J-J-JIRO! You're gonna---

Jiro: Oops, sorry sis. Forgot you're too small...I might crush you.

Felt: SHUT IT! JEEZ, AND YOU GOTTA RUIN THE MOMENT <pushing my face aside from her> 

Jiro: Anyways, what---- <hearing a knock> Hello?

???: Hey, Felt? Could I come in?!

Jiro: Who's that? <whispering>

Felt: The cute red-head...you should know him. Stiff, strong, good-looking, Mr. Perfect---

Jiro: (Blushes) I get it, yikes. Let him in alright. 

Felt: Fine....

-Swinging the door open harshly, Reinhard bowed upon entry...-

Reinhard: "My lady".

Felt: MY LADY. I'M NOT ROYALTY, DUMBASS <trying to smack him before he caught it>

Reinhard: Please. I don't intend on causing anyone trouble, Ms. Felt. I just wanted to check up on Jiro and see if he's awake. 

Felt: And he sure is <trying to push him out of the room> Get out.

Reinhard: But, can't I say hi to a friend. 

Felt: You could say hello later. Leave now.

-Finally ending my laughter and putting all jokes aside, I told Reinhard to come inside- 

Jiro: You can stay, Reinhard. Felt was only kidding, Right? <Scary look>

Felt: Uh yeah, knock yourselves out losers...of course, Jiro was already haha <nervous> look at the time, I gotta start planning out what I wanna do today since I'm stuck...here...sadly. Come find me later, ok Jiro? 

Jiro: Yup, see ya little sis!

Felt: Bye Jiro <Exiting the room>

-Leaving us both in complete silence, Reinhard spoke first saying how sorry he was to allow me to get hurt unexpectedly-

Reinhard: (Apologetic) I am truly sorry, Ren Jiro. There is no reason for a knight such as him to do something...against our code. I assure you he was dealt with accordingly along with the accomplice. His friend. They will not be bothering you anymore. <bowing>

Jiro: It's quite alright, Reinhard. I was glad to get some rest, hehe <fake chuckles>

Reinhard: But, you got hurt in the process Jiro---

Jiro: True. But at least I was able to learn something from that duel. I may be an average learner, and a little dim-witted sometimes. Nevertheless, I kept my composure til the end. I have you to appreciate Reinhard...without your teachings and beliefs...I would've done something terrible or even worse...dishonorable.

Reinhard: I-I-I am at a loss for words, Jiro. I don't know what to say---

Jiro: You clearly have nothing to apologize for, Reinhard. I'm very glad you are here to see me.

Reinhard: Of course <smiling> Why wouldn't I see a good friend?! Am I so heartless?

Jiro: No! But, my sister would think otherwise...

Reinhard: Ms. Felt surely has a temper. Good thing you didn't pick up that trait...

Jiro: Yeah, I was never really all that angry back when I was her age...I cared more about other things.

Reinhard: If I may ask, why are you so calm majority of the time? I understand you casually like to speak with those you know but...I sense great sadness inside your heart and not just that....silence. As if, you want to be left alone.

Jiro: <Remains silent> .................................

Reinhard: (Contrite) I'm sorry if I spoke out of turn. Reading one's aura or feature is something I struggle to control. As a knight, remaining vigilant is a priority for everyday life.

Jiro: T-That's quite alright...<yawns>

Reinhard: Anyways, once you recuperate, we can begin training again! 

Jiro: That would be extraordinary, Reinhard <fake smile> I can't wait! 

-Checking the time, Reinhard had a busy schedule apparently-

Reinhard: Well, I must depart now. Until next time, Ren Jiro. Rest easy now.

Jiro: Thanks...I'm glad you took the time to visit me, my friend. Have a good rest of your day.

Reinhard: The same goes for you as well <nodding before closing the door>

-Exiting the room, he left Jiro broken from his worried response-

I sense great sadness inside your heart and not just that....silence. As if, you want to be left alone.

A FEW HOURS LATER

Jiro was actually asleep since due to the sore spots across the chest and the slash marks. Not to mention he gets bad migraines...adding up to the concussion he received from the asshole made everything worse. While he lain on top of flat, sheet-less bed, the blonde boy tossed and turned because he was experiencing horrible nightmares...mostly about Subaru. Looking inside the mansion, I noticed the blood-stains he found along the red carpets and brick walls. Terrified by how his body was dismembers as if someone wanted him to go through suffering. Is this truly a nightmare? I wish it would GET OUT.

Subaru: Gah! Dammit! Someone...help....J-J-Jiro. Save me <groans in agony>

-Seeing an ogre like creature approach behind his crawling body, he was soon to be dead as the monster stomped on him repeatedly ending the boy's life-

???: Another life you could've saved....

Jiro: (Crying) Please stop....Subaru...come back to me....don't go....

???: If only you made the right decision, he would still be alive---

Jiro: (Ignoring the voice) I promise, I'll get stronger...for you...once I do...I'll come and save you.

???: Save who. Can't you see...he's clearly dead----

Jiro: (Screaming) GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!!

8/18/20