-ABRIDGEMENT (JIRO'S VIEWPOINT)

Natsuki Subaru...You're one lucky bastard <Smiling>...I can't tell you how grateful I am to see you're doing alright. Since, Elsa got the ambush and all, there was a small chance of you surviving until... "Your Girlfriend" came in to rescue from death itself... after finally learning her name... we figured it was time for introductions because I've never met her before. First time for everything, aye?! I'm not too much of a talker anyway... but this is your opportunity to make new friends, Jiro. While, she's healing Subaru, I walked up to the girl and gave her my name...

Jiro: (Shy) Hi---

Emilia: (Smiling) Hi, you must be Subaru's friend right...

Jiro: I sure am, the name's Ren Jiro

Emilia: Jiro? That's a rare one...I've never came across a "Jiro" before. Pleased to meet you, "Comrade Ren"

Jiro: Comrade?

Emilia: S-S-Sorry. I'm not much of a conversationist...it's been difficult for me to speak with strangers...because you don't know if they'll ever like you or not.

Jiro: Well, I'm actually the same, Emilia. You aren't alone. No one has bothered to ask if I'm alright...but one guy.

Emilia: (Stroking his hair) Subaru.

Jiro: Yeah, that boy could be very foolish and hard-headed. I warn you, he's a burden!

Emilia: (Worried) What make you say that?

Jiro: Oh, If you think I'm trying to be rude, not at all. He's actually a complicated guy to control. Never listens to anyone...something I could respect in a "leader"

Emilia: He doesn't seem like a "leader" type.

Jiro: I assure you, compared to how others see him, he's still the silly guy I met all those years ago. 

Emilia: (Surprised) You must've known him for a long time, huh?

Jiro: Yep, but I kinda regret meeting that dork! <Chuckling>

Emilia: (Giggles) You're a good man, Ren Jiro. And a caring friend. 

Jiro: Thank you! I'm grateful you and Reinhard made it in time to save our sorry-butts! We would've been cut open from the belly by Elsa. 

Emilia: It's no problem. Both of you were able to help me get my insignia back...how did "he" know the crest was stolen?

Jiro: Oh, well---um---

-Think. Jiro. Think.-

Emilia: (Curious) Are you alright, Jiro?

Jiro: Um---yeah, my bad...Subaru probably saw you being robbed and kept following my sister to the warehouse. 

Emilia: Where were you during the time?

-Lie. Jiro. Lie-

Jiro: Oh! I tried to find Felt in the slums...but I didn't know she planned on stealing from you..sorry, Emilia.

Emilia: Hehe, No worries..Jiro. Let's leave it in the past

Jiro: I suppose we shall. Friends? <Holding out his hand>

Emilia: (Smiles) Wouldn't have it any other way! Ren Jiro 

888

-Signifying their friendship with the handshake-

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A FEW MINUTES LATER

Reinhard tugged onto my little sister's arm, and place her under his custody. After, promising to release her...the red-head knight couldn't allow this opportunity to let her roam free...since she stole a valuable insignia from Emilia...this made me feel much anger inside due to breaking his promise...

Felt: HEY! LET ME GO! <SLAPPING HIS ARMS>

Reinhard: I can't do that...

Felt: JIRO! HELP ME!

-I stood there as I had a feeling of liberating my little sister from the captain...but then-

Reinhard: Please, calm yourself. I am only bringing you in for---

Felt: THEFT!

Reinhard: (Contradict) QUESTIONING...

Felt: Well, I know my big brother won't allow you to take me...right, Jiro?

888

-Holding onto Mockingbird, I began drawing it before seeing Reinhard dash forward and caught my wrist, preventing me from using the blade-

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Jiro: (Grunts) Let go of her! Now!

Felt: You heard the man! Release me.

Reinhard: (Softly) Be reasonable, Jiro. You need to trust me...

Jiro: Trust---has to be earned, Master Swordsman.

Reinhard: I-I-I don't blame you. I can see your eyes, those are the "eyes" of someone who thought trust meant everything to them.

Jiro: You don't know a single thing about me.

Reinhard: That being said, you're right. I don't know you that much, but I can see...you're a good man. Please, let me help you both. 

888

-Remaining silent for a minute to recollect my thoughts, my sister shouted at me-

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Felt: WE CAN'T "TRUST" THIS GUY, JIRO!

Reinhard: I'm just trying to do what's best for both of you! There's no villainous plot behind any of this. I can sense someone like you is in desperate need of assistance and more than happy to provide it. So please, Jiro...come with me <reaching out to him>

-AS TIME BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN FOR ME-

My arms began to rattle in fear, because of the past. Every moment I tried to do something right, I always have to pay. Trusting my "mother" for an example was the worst mistake I made. Being a child, they hardly experience the hard "truth" about reality. Not like, anyone hasn't struggled to become more than they're supposed to be. I kept closing my eyes, but the nightmares keep coming back to haunt me...every...single...fucking...night...so---should I take this chance to accept Reinhard's offer? Because, If I learned one thing...Family doesn't have to be only about "blood"...because the "people" I meet along the way, treat me different...as if I'm one of their own...Felt, Subaru, and now Emilia...are my "new family". Even though I met them just for a few days, there's a cycle of love going on between us. I care about each one of them---and seeing as my best friend getting hurt---This is Beyond My Control.

Jiro: (Confident) Reinhard... <Smiling>

Reinhard: Yes, Jiro.

Jiro: I'll come along quietly if you promise to keep Felt safe. 

Reinhard: I shall do my upmost as a knight, Ren Jiro. I promise.

Felt: (Upset) What the---you can't be serious, Jiro!

Jiro: Absolutely, and I anticipate on taking this journey to gods know where?!

Reinhard: The---um---that's classified sorry. Not until we get nearby.

Jiro: Yeah, what he said.

Felt: I'm stuck with two idiots, aren't I?

Jiro: Sure are, pipsqueak! <Ruining her hair>

Felt: ST-AU-P J-I-R-O! MY GORGEOUS HAIR IS MESSY NOW. THANKS ALOT.

Jiro: (Chuckling) No problem, sis!

Reinhard: (Attentive) If we may regain our focus, dawn has arrive and much rather get some rest once everyone gets "there"

Jiro: Oh, right. <Grabs ahold of Felt's hand>

Felt: Big brother Jiro! Why are you working with the enemy?

Jiro: He's not gonna kill us or anything. He did save your cry-baby butt, Remember?

Felt: Bastard. I did not cry.

Jiro: Of course, you did. I could hear the shouts throughout the street. "Someone help w-aaa-eee-aaa"...Like the sound a baby would make.

Felt: (Rolled eyes) Whatever. 

Reinhard: Let's say goodbye to Ms. Emilia first. 

Jiro: Agreed

-TAKING A FEW MINUTES TO SAY FAREWELL-

I checked over Subaru to see his stomach stitched up quite well meaning his guts won't pour out from Elsa's attack. I'm glad he's found someone whom cares truly about him. Seeing as there is either two choices...I decided to stick around with Reinhard for a while to understand what he has planned. Emilia began smiling and comforting my unconscious friend...they are so cute together! EEEE!

Jiro: (Bowing) I am humble to accept you as my friend. I owe you.

Emilia: (Shocked) Please. Please. Enough of the commodities, Jiro. There's no need.

Jiro: I believe so, after all...you did save his life. That's gonna be an interesting story for another day. 

Emilia: I suppose <Smiling> He's a great guy isn't he?

Jiro: For sure, both of you look cute together...

Emilia: (Blushing) Wait What?! What makes you say something like that so unexpectedly?

Jiro: Hmm, I can't put my finger around it as of yet, but noticing your personalities...it kinda mixes well for a "couple" 

Emilia: Um---thanks, Jiro. But, I'm not sure enough he's old enough to date me.

Jiro: Really? <Laughing>

Emilia: What's so funny? I'm telling the truth...He's like what...12

-Trying my best to hold back my laughter, she became extremely embarrassed for getting it wrong-

Jiro: Woo, Emilia. You are silly. You know that...He's the same age as me...

Emilia: 18

Jiro: Close. I'm officially 17...my birthday is coming up in two months from now.

Emilia: Splendid. We should celebrate once everyone is together again.

Jiro: So we shall...I leave Subaru in "blessed hands"

Emilia: (Appreciative) Thanks...but why do you---

Jiro: Trust someone like you. It's obvious. You're a good person inside, Emilia! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise...or I'll smack them straight.

Emilia: You truly are a kind man and a gentle soul, Ren Jiro. Goodbye, till we meet soon.

-As I walked away, I wave to her with sincerity...saying -

Jiro: Hai, Emilia. I'll be seeing you shortly. Take care.

8/11/20

Jiro: Hai