Echidna...

Echidna: Yours truly. <presents a courtesy of good faith>

Jiro: You're a Witch! Aren't you?

Echidna: My! How can you tell? <amazed>

Jiro: By the color of your dress. You seem the type... that likes to cause trouble. <perspective> 

Echidna: When I feel provoked, I will to my enemies. But, I am in high hopes today... Jiro-sama.

Jiro: ..... <(grunts)>

-How does she know my name? I haven't even introduced myself.-

Jiro: Let's get out of here, Subaru. <whispering to my friend>

Subaru: Wait. I have questions, Jiro. Dire ones that require knowledge. Shouldn't we-

Jiro: No...we can figure this out together. We shouldn't depend on a mere stranger to handle our business. We always find a solution.

Subaru: And if we don't. 

Jiro: ...... <(silent)>

Subaru: This is our chance to finally receive answers from one of the few who know much about Sanctuary. Let's just give Echidna an opportunity to aid us.

Jiro: Why? She's clearly after something valuable. All we can manage to do now is-

Subaru: Ask. <(clarifies)> 

Echidna: Pardon me gentlemen, but would you mind sitting for a cup of tea? You must be tired after a long awaited reunion. <acting like a maiden>

Subaru: Reunion?

Echidna: Of course, Subaru Natsuki. I summoned you here so we can "bond". Why else would you have came... you seek what all creatures desire. Most of all, what each individual wants?

Subaru: And that is?

Echidna: Knowledge. <expresses intently> The ability to figure the time of day a person may die, what beasts were created and by whom, when will the next season finally arrive, etc. All of your answers can finally be... <(coughs)> answered.

Subaru: Well. I do have a few, if you're interested in hearing. <uncertain>

Echidna: Go on. I'm open-ears. <sips her tea>

Subaru: Where am I? 

Echidna: Spiritually, you have just crossed over to the astral plain from my tomb.

Subaru: Whoa! We're at tomb. Yours... Then... hold on, let me get this straight. I am at your tomb, except the alluring woman I am chatting with is actually a Ghost.

Echidna: Correct on 1 account.  I am a ghost from the past... I lived in this realm as a Witch for a length of 400+ years

Subaru: That is seriously a long time ago. Wait, then how are you still a part of this world?

Echidna: Isn't it obvious?! I linked my soul to the "closest" vessel or object I can convert into.

Subaru: Awesome. See, Jiro. She's not so bad than you expected. I'm sorry if we offended you in any way. My friend here is just super-cautious of new folk. Isn't that right? <(antagonizing me)>

Jiro: You could say that. <tapping his porcelain cup impatiently>

Echidna: This "one" doesn't seem to like me very much.

Subaru: Pfhpt, please. He's actually worried and a little eager to return "Home". You can tell by his grim face. Come on, Jiro. Smile.

-nudging me to at least show that I'm satisfied to be here. That would be an understatement.-

Jiro: Have we met before?

Echidna: No... But, I would like to know more about you, Jiro Katsuki Ren. Tell me, do you truly believe you're the only other survivor of the Lugnica family.

-She's probably recalling Felt & I as the remaining Lugnica heirs next in line to the Throne.-

Jiro: "Titles" don't really involve my taste. I'd rather go by the name that my "caretaker" gave me.

Echidna: Peculiar. I can say for certain, that you're a prideful boy. 

Subaru: Excuse me, Echidna. I'm sorry for disrupting your conversation but we're running out of time. What is Sanctuary? And How can we get out?

Echidna: The calling referred in today's era is "Sanctuary of Kremaldy". A place that I established to keep the half-breeds from emerging out of the barrier. Once they are freed, there is likely to reign havoc. I suggest you leave personally before any of them find you.

Subaru: I will. After, I first help rescue Emilia, Roswaal, Ram, and the villagers that are trapped.

Echidna: Good luck. <smirks>

Jiro: When did you plan on telling us?

Echidna: Ah yes! I must've forgotten. Silly me! The Barrier can only be broken if a hero submits to each one of the trials. 

Subaru: Trials? Like as in tests?

Echidna: Yes.

Jiro: Damn, I'm a terrible test taker. It's up to you, Subaru.

Subaru: Huh! Why me? Are you gonna chicken out? <shocked>

Jiro: Pfhpt, no... I'm just saying. If something goes wrong, I wouldn't like to perform each trial "she" will have to face alone. <insecure, selfish>

Subaru: Wait... but she can't do the trials. Echidna is already dead, idiot.

Jiro: I wasn't talking about Echidna... you know of whom I speak of. <serious>

Subaru: Emilia-tan.

Jiro: Yep.

Subaru: Is the test difficult, Echidna?

Echidna: You will have to find out on your own. But, yes it is unless you're implying the "girl."

Subaru: Ok. Well, I appreciate the tea and our chat. We'll see you again shortly. I hope. <waves> 

-Jumping out of his chair, the guy wouldn't wait long for me to... finish-

Subaru: Hurry your ass up, Jiro! Emilia needs us. What's wrong with you?! <barking>

Jiro: Does this tea taste funny to you? The fluid is all salty, and I taste a hint of vanilla. Hey, Witch! What did you place in my cup?

Echidna: To put it bluntly, it's a body fluid of mine. <nonchalant> 

Jiro: Wow... <staring over at Subaru weirdly> That enough! You had plenty, Subaru Natsuki. 

-snatching the drink from his hand, my friend pouted as Echidna continues to smile.-

Echidna: My! Why so anxious? Don't you have many more questions for me to answer, handsome?

Jiro: No thanks... I can search for the truth on my own. 

Echidna: Hmm, are you sure? Have you even bothered to read that "letter"? It's rude to refuse words of conviction from a "close friend."

Jiro: What're you blabbering about, woman?! <pretentious> 

Echidna: Just read the letter, boy. <smirks>

-Copping the letter that managed to stay in my back pocket. I was intrigued to understand who it came from. Though to my surprise, I spared only two words for Subaru and Echidna to hear.-

Jiro: Priscilla Barielle

Timeskip: Falling Victim into a Tragic Coma State

In a spark, my soul finally reconnected with my body...

Afraid of where I might have ended up... I have to find him...

Yet, the split second I went over to spot my friend...

I was already too late...

Subaru: Damn you, Echidna. Hey, Jiro! Time to rise up.

-I said tapping my foot against his sturdy backside. He didn't budge one bit.-

Subaru: Jiro.. this isn't funny. Get up! <annoyed>

-He clenches onto the blonde's shirt as he began rattling him. Not a single depiction of his actions mattered anymore. Because Jiro wasn't going to reawaken. Just like Rem.-

Subaru: No... No... No... Someone! Echidna! Please! Give him to me! <distressed cry for help>

-He cried out, hugging his friend close to him. There's no point in feeling guilt. It wasn't his fault.-

Subaru: I promise, Jiro. I'll get you out of there. I'll complete the trials and rescue you for sure. Just sit tight.

-claiming his words to be true, Subaru didn't give into despair. He kept pushing forward, as his Brother would always wanted.-

Later, ARRIVING at the Residence

I set Jiro carefully down on his bed, while I went outside to search for signs of any members.

Spotting a friendly face, I met up with Emilia.

Subaru: Evening, Emilia-tan! <gentle voice>

Emilia: Subaru? Where have you been?! I was starting to get worried... <feeling cold>

Subaru: We should go somewhere warmer. How about--

Emilia: Subaru... I found the Villagers

Subaru: Great. Let's get them out of here. 

Emilia: I don't think we can.

Subaru: Why not? They aren't half-breeds. 

Emilia: That's the issue, the inhabitants aren't allowing anyone from leaving the Barrier.

Subaru: Crap. What should we do? Is Roswaal and Ram still here?

Emilia: Yes. But, Lord Roswaal is severely damaged from doing the "Trials"... he's currently being treated by Ram.

Subaru: We gotta discuss with them now. Then, get Milde's permission to save everyone trapped. (Irlam's head elder).

Emilia: Hey... where's Jiro?

-The silver-hair elf questioning his whereabouts.-

Subaru: He's--- <gulps> How can I say this? He's Asleep.

-Putting it nicely, I didn't want to cause any more stress on her part.-

Emilia: Good. We'll go visit him later, ok. Hope he's alright. <joyous>

Subaru: Me too. 

-Heading over to the homestead where Roswaal & Ram stayed. I can't help but feel a rush of anger at the noble. Why would he do something far out of control? After listening to him speak boldly, Roswaal's intention seemed to bizarre.-

Roswaal: Miss Emilia is the only person who can pass the trials.

Subaru: You've gotta be joking, Roswaal. Why aren't you able to do it? You're strong.

Ram: For someone with a small brain, Barusu. You still can't spot the wounds Lord Roswaal received. Pitiful. <roasting me>

Roswaal: Ease up, Ram. It is alright. <flashing a finger> Firstly, even though I am what you say I am, my contemporary stage can't possibly redo the rite of passage. It won't allow me to enter, so that is why I'm thinking of a better alternative replacement. But, it has to be Miss Emilia. Otherwise the plan won't succeed...meaning all of us won't escape.

-Suggesting her,  everyone else begin to stare. I cannot standby and let her suffer.-

Subaru: I--- 

Emilia: Subaru... remember this is my responsibility. And the decision doesn't fall to just you. We made a promise together that I, alone will save the hostages. Please, give me your word... that you won't interfere. 

Subaru: But, you might get hurt. Let someone else do it.

Emilia: I don't think anyone can, Subaru. I'm sorry. You will have to trust me on this one. Do you trust me? <soft voice>

Subaru: Yes... a 1000x <cross my heart>

Emilia: Thank you. 

-Emilia said as she brought me into her embrace. I can feel her notching her head over to the ruffian behind us.-

Emilia: I am ready to proceed, Garfiel. <serious>

Garfiel: Gotcha! With haste, Emilia. I wanna leave this damn forest as soon as expected. Right, Ram? <gazing at her eyes>

Ram: Yes. Sooner we leave, the better. <expressionless> 

Timeskip: Sanctuary Trial (Original Dialogue)

https://youtu.be/t6uPZTLtc6M

Emilia: I'm... It wasn't me! 

Subaru: Hey, calm down! Look at me Emilia!

Emilia: No! Don't look at me like that! No! No!

Subaru: It's okay! Come on, it's okay!

Emilia: It wasn't me!

Subaru: I'm with you! I'm here! I won't leave you alone! It's okay!

Emilia: Father! Help Me! 

Timeskip: Jiro's Subconscious

Echidna: So this is the first time your heart has indeed been shattered, huh? Who would've thought Jiro "Lugnica" had one to begin with! <sips tea>

Jiro: I hate you.

Echidna: O Please, You and perhaps even I finally figured it was past time this relationship ended. Explain to me, why it is so hard for humans to love? You think of it as if only romantic love existed in this world. But, there are still many variations of affection. Remember you have a little sister now, so appreciate the memories you share with her... before everything fades into ashes.

Jiro: You're right, Echidna. 

Echidna: ....... 

Jiro: Perhaps it's time I choose for myself how I spend the rest of my days. Either it's to help those I deeply care for (Subaru, Emilia, Felt) or to return "home".

Echidna: What is it, Jiro, that you're essentially striving to achieve then?

Jiro: I have no idea. Would you mind guiding me there? <pleading> 

Echidna: As you wish. It's invigorating to see what kind of livelihood you upheld for those many years alone? Ready to depart? <extends hand>

Jiro: Yes.

Echidna: Where to, dear? 

Jiro: Osaka, Japan.