-RECALL-

After these past three days inside the castle, the horrible dreams of Subaru faded away. Finally able to rest, there was some moments whilst training with Reinhard where he would appear... falling back asleep, the voice in my head stopped for a brief time until...I was able to hear screams and utter laughter...more like if someone was driven mad by misfortune...

???: Why? Why don't you trust me? Re---

Jiro: S-Subaru? I'm sorry...

Fake Subaru: WHAT HAVE I DONE TO MAKE YOU HATE ME?!!! ANSWER ME!!!

Jiro: (Apologetic) I don't have an answer...because I will never hate you, Natsuki Subaru. 

Forming around the area, I was only able to spot a define detail what's happening to him? Is this truly a hellish dream or am I perceiving something that may occur? While looking down to my wounded friend, he is bleeding...so I tried moving my feet but it seems to glue beneath the ground...helpless...there's nothing stopping the assassin, huh. Carrying a chain ball, the female physique appeared in front of me. Everything I seen was completely fuzzy when I stared at her. Hearing the girl grunt in anger, she swung the weapon and mercilessly ended Subaru. 

???: The deed is done...The Witch's scent is extinguished. 

-AWAKENING FROM SLUMBER-

Jiro: (Screaming) SUBARU!!! <exhaling in panic/fear> 

-Listening to the shattered pieces of exquisite plates....the maid was terrified by my shout-

Maid: OH MY! MY APOLOGIES, MR. REN.... 

Jiro: (Exhausted) It's alright, miss. Sorry if I made you drop the food... <falling off the bed, he crawls over to pick up the broken pieces>

Maid: Mr. Ren. Let me help---

Jiro: I should be the one to clean up my own "mess". If you don't mind, this is the least I could do. Allow me...

-Scouring throughout the floor, I was able to snag all the parts and place them on top of the food cart- 

Maid: Thank you, sir. 

Jiro: Not a problem. <bowing> 

Maid: (Thoughtful) Are you alright, Mr. Ren?

Jiro: Please call me Jiro.

Maid: Alright, so Jiro. Wanna tell me what's bothering you these past few days?

Jiro: I-I <froze in torment> it's difficult.

Maid: (Places a hand on his shoulder) I have a little time. You wanna talk about it.

Jiro: I suppose, if you don't mind.

Maid: Absolutely not, in case you're wondering I dealt with these problems before with children...

Jiro: Your "children"...

Maid: (Blushing) How old do you think I am, Jiro?

Jiro: Late 20's...

Maid: Wow, I seriously look that old to all these men. Amazing <disappointed huff>

Jiro: I'm sorry...it's just you kinda look like a mother...and not as in a bad way. It's kinda...attractive...

Maid: Wait what? <blushes> Golly, I didn't take you for much of a talker...that's what the other folk say inside the castle. I guess I'm wrong.

Jiro: A little bit, I just don't like to socialize with those I don't know...strangers aren't particularly my forte <rubbing his shoulder nervously>

Maid: Quite alright, so tell me the truth Jiro? Why are you so upset?

-Pausing to decide whether I should lie, It's better to let everything out-

Jiro: I had weird dreams....umm more like terrible nightmares about my friend.

Maid: And is "she" in trouble?

Jiro: "She"? 

Maid: Well, I presumed the person you were talking about might concern yourself with a girl. You look pretty good on sore eyes in my opinion. So, guessing it to be about someone you deeply care made me question otherwise.

Jiro: I'll take that as a compliment <smiling> but it's actually a "he". 

Maid: I apologize, continue...

Jiro: My friend---Subaru---seemed to be in a lot of pain and in others...were more "distasteful" 

Maid: "Distasteful"? What makes you say that? Is it really an unpleasant dream?

Jiro: Yes...you see...he died a few times...in horrible ways...and I felt as if...it was real...

Maid: <Remains silent> ...............

Jiro: (Regretful) I know this was a waste of time....sorry if you think I'm crazy...

Maid: Jiro...

Jiro: Yes?

Maid: You're not crazy, because it occurs for multiple others too. The loss of a loved one or a dear friend can affect the mind. You seem to slip into these dreams to escape from reality. Thinking he is safe in this world but defenseless inside your head. Of course, I would understand. Everyone has nightmares, and dare not to speak about them but it takes courage to release all of your distress...

Jiro: So, I'm not crazy...

Maid: I don't exactly know you for that long but Ms. Felt would say something else entirely. So, a little bit <giggling>

Jiro: (Smiling) I'm glad we were able to speak, Miss.

Maid: Absolutely! And please, enough of the formalities...call me Grace.

Jiro: That's a beautiful name!

Grace: (Blushing) Thanks, Jiro. My parents were damn lucky to have me. 

Jiro: I bet!

-Laughing together for a short moment, Grace was about to leave the room before saying-

Grace: I won't tell anyone about this, unless with your permission Ren Jiro. <bowing> And, also please eat your breakfast...before it gets cold. I hate to see it go to waste.

Jiro: Well, I better dig in, huh.

Grace: (Rolling her eyes) Dork <whispers as she closed the door>

-LATER THAT FOLLOWING MORNING-

Jiro travels to the courtyard once again behind the castle to train with Reinhard. He's been improving tremendously to the level where he could at least protect himself against grunts and muggers. Possibly an average knight. But, still remaining flaw as ever and unskilled in some techniques...this marks his last day in the capital before his departure so he may return to Subaru. Speaking of Subaru, he has been writing me but did not put his name down. Probably lazy enough to not mention who it was. Reinhard said it was a "blank" letter but has no clue what he meant. The wording is clearly on the paper and everything is written...anyways the blonde boy is working on defense once again for his final day...he hasn't broken the news as of yet but will shortly...

Reinhard: Nice footing, Jiro. But don't leave it to out...

Jiro: (Curious) Why is that?

-Sweeping his leg for a trip, Jiro flips and fell onto the grass in failure-

Reinhard: Because you'll easily fall down. Focus more on the hips. The shortest turn can prove the deadliest. Mainly due to the adversaries inability to recognize your movements. Take your time, Jiro. And watch how he or she strikes before the counterattack.

Jiro: Understood. <turning his hips slightly to the right>

Reinhard: Alright, I'm coming at you. Prepare yourself.

Jiro: Ready! 

-Reinhard puts out a more effort into his slashing so I could absorb the blows coming from him. Catching onto what he meant by moving the hips, I turned a little which caught him off guard until I was left with an opening...trying my best to strike the wooden sword against his ribs...he dodged in time before smacking me across the head-

Reinhard: Don't always assume your enemy gave you the upper-hand. Overconfidence is what kills many because of their lack of diligence. 

Jiro: I'll remember that...

Reinhard: (Smirks) You always do. You're an impressive protege, Ren Jiro. I am proud of you.

Jiro: Couldn't have done it without you, Sir Reinhard. <bowing> I am humbled.

Reinhard: You still are unable to tap into your powers but I saw it...in your eyes...

Jiro: Saw what?

Reinhard: Raw Potential...and untamed power. Nothing I found in anyone else before. Until now.

Jiro: Really?! I felt as if my skills haven't been improving.

Reinhard: Well, they surely have. You're unwilling to allow the opponent gain the lesser judgement of you...meaning they should never underestimate you. Ever...

Jiro: That said a lot coming from a great fighter like you. 

Reinhard: Well, we all have to learn eventually and start from our roots. Fighting isn't easy and should never be, Ren Jiro. <smiling> I can see a Warrior in the Making...and he is truly special.

Jiro: Thank you. I'm honored to be your protege...Reinhard. I would've never have gotten anywhere without your help. 

Reinhard: The honor is all mine, Jiro. 

-Bowing to each other in respect, I could hear Felt shout something aloud to us-

Felt: You two look so cute together. When are you both gonna start dating?

Jiro: Eww, Felt. Stop it...Or else <devilishly smirks>

Felt: (Scared) Fine! Fine! Don't you dare say it! I'm sorry, OK! Jeez!

Jiro: I missed you too...how's your day coming along?

Felt: Boring as usual. The knights started "checking" me out today which is absolutely wonderful <sarcastic/annoyed> I wish there was a good man around these parts...someone who could treat me nicely...like all men should...

Jiro: Umm... <eyes pointing to Reinhard> 

Felt: (Tired) Forget what I said...how are you both doing?

Reinhard: We just finished our training actually. I must apologize, you two. My duties require me elsewhere in the capital. I will be back tonight. 

Felt: See ya later, Erza!

Reinhard: Who's Erza? 

Felt: Oh nothing...hehe <smug>

Jiro: Goodbye, Reinhard. I'll see you soon.

Reinhard: Yep...goodbye.

-Walking out of the courtyard and into the great halls, he left me and Felt to ponder...what should we do?>

Felt: So...Jiro...I heard you got yourself a girlfriend around the castle...Wanna tell me about her?

Jiro: Yeah sure....WAIT WHAT?! GIRLFRIEND?! 

Felt: Yes...a "Girl" who is more than just a "Friend". 

Jiro: Umm, I don't have one Felt...

Felt: Bummer, thought my older brother would get laid already.

Jiro: YUCK! YUCK! Enough of your foul language, little miss...

Felt: But I didn't say anything wrong.

Jiro: But it surely "unpleasant" to me, Felt. 

Felt: I apologize...

Jiro: Never mind, let's just leave that topic behind? So...what do you plan on doing today?

Felt: (Excited) Wanna go explore the capital with me?! 

8/19/20