Arriving at the high school, we finally came across the test instructor. The Witch herself. 

Oddly enough, once we got there. Subaru & I saw something truly breathtaking. Yet, different about her.

The alluring woman had a uniform on... much like the one's the girls wear...

Except, she looks "bad asf" (i'm sorry Priscilla, but it's true)

(ORIGINAL RE:ZERO CONTENT/DIALOGUE)

https://youtu.be/DH-ESWYucog

Echidna: Welcome.

Subaru: First off, there's something I'd like to say.

Echidna: Hmm?

Subaru: You look pretty good in that uniform.

-hearing her surprised gasp, she took the comment well than I hoped.-

Jiro: What's with that cute laugh? <mutters>

Subaru: Did you say something, Jiro?

Echidna: Hmm?! 

Jiro: Nope... <whistles>

Echidna: Well... I'd like to say...

-rolling my eyes in despair, girls usually get offended by our remarks. Maybe, you should've kept your mouth shut, Subaru. Mr. Unpopular with the females.-

Echidna: Thank you...

Jiro: Huh? <she didn't lash out, I'm so confused>

Echidna: Hearing you say that tells me that I'm recreating it from your memories was worthwhile.

Jiro: Well, we did get to revisit our parents... so I am grateful to you, Echidna. <smiles>

Echidna: That's wonderful to hear.

Subaru: What did you do to me? I had completely forgotten about you.

Echidna: It was quicker to meddle with your memories than it would've been to trust that you could keep a secret.

Subaru: Good point.

Echidna: Having seen every moment of it, I think the result you achieved was more than suitable.

Jiro: It couldn't agree more.

Echidna: "I'm sorry" <whimpers> When you said that, even I teared up a bit. 

Subaru: Shut up! Don't tell anyone about that! It's too embarrassing!

Jiro: We live under the same roof for 5 years, Subaru. I've seen you naked twice, baka.

Subaru: You better not mention it to Emilia-tan. I don't wanna see her innocence get crushed due to your impulsive behavior. I know your type, Jiro.

Jiro: My lips are sealed shut, Subaru. Not a single word. 

Echidna: It was pretty funny though. <giggles>

Subaru: You really fabricated all that?

Echidna: Indeed. 

Subaru: Amazing

Echidna: Did you never once entertain the thought of your father being different in any way from what you'd pictured?

Jiro: My biological father was always a scoundrel so never. Mister Natsuki is a kind man compared to that dead-beat.

Echidna: Did you really think you could hide the parts of your heart that you thought no one knew about?

Subaru: Wah? 

-a clone appearing behind Subaru. This dream started to freak me out.-

Echidna: The desire to have them know, so you'd feel less burdened...

-another clone pops up out of nowhere. Is this her doing? How can she be at more places than once? Who is she really?-

Echidna: The selfish wish that they'd still love you, even if they knew... that you did not seek any of that from your imaginary parents?

-she said while sitting on top of the desk-

Echidna: That would far too realistic, not to mention convenient. Don't you agree?

-whispering into Subaru's ear. I standby as I gaze around the room. I hardly remember the classroom since I would mostly sleep when the teacher was present-

Subaru: My parents are too big to even fit in my puny imagination. Don't underestimate them!

Echidna: This trial is over, in the truest sense. I look forward to see how you handle the next question.  

(END OF ORIGINAL CONTENT) 

Flashing my eyes open to hear the sound of Emilia's panicky screams. I knew this would happen.

As I recall, shouldn't Jiro wake up now since he's out of the dream? Why is that he entered along with me? I thought only subjects that are inside the Sanctuary can engage in the Trials.

Father! Help Me! 

It wasn't me!

I'm sorry!

Subaru: It's alright... I'm here for you, Emilia. I won't let you go.

It truly pains me to see her mentally breakdown. What is it that she's not telling me?

Jiro POV

Otto: Hey, you're finally awake!

-The young courier commemorates me. I lean forward to meet him with a grin.-

Jiro: How long have I been out?

Otto: A day.

Jiro: It felt more like a year or so.

Otto: That's what being knocked out does to ya. 

Jiro: Hmph. <nods>

Otto: Boy. I'm just so glad you're alive. I thought we lost you for good.

Jiro: This is nothing. But, I can't say the same if Subaru knew I died one day. He'll break like a duck egg.

Otto: No doubt. His heart is very fragile compared to yours. You seem to be insensitive about the thoughts of death. Doesn't it frighten you?

Jiro: Everyday. You might've seen a lot of guys put on a tough act. But, in reality they would probably shit themselves beforehand.

Otto: Strange, yet true. Your "friend" always has that terrified look on his face. How long have you been together?

Jiro: He's not my friend, Otto. We're Brothers.

Otto: Really?

Jiro: Yea.

Otto: Not to sound rude, but I see nothing alike between you two. Are you-

Jiro: Yes, I'm adopted. Hush.

Otto: Sorry.

Jiro: I was just joking, haha. <chuckles> It's, you know super embarrassing when people find out we're not related in blood. 

Otto: Of course. I have two brothers of my own, Oslo & Regin. Even though we share common traits, as a child no one considered me to be their sibling. Until a later date.

Jiro: I am willing to talk about it, if you're interested.

Otto: Perhaps another time. Your Brother needs you.

Jiro: Yep. That cry-baby sure does. I wouldn't leave him alone in this world even if I had the chance. I made a promise... and so has he.

Otto: What promise?

Jiro: Subaru promised our mother to look after "me". But, I'm sure she meant by us both. 

Otto: She sounds like a caring woman.

Jiro: She is. <yawns>

Otto: Don't hurry yourself, Jiro-sama. Patience. Subaru should be returning any second. How about some stew? 

Jiro: That would be much appreciated. Thank you, Otto. For taking care of me.

Otto: No problem. This is the least I can do after watching what you've been through. While I saw you sleeping, I can hear you call out the names of your friends? Family?

Jiro: What did I say exactly?

Otto: Someone called "Felt". A very weird name to give a child.

Jiro: Sure is. One day, you'll meet her.

Otto:  You know her?

Jiro: She's my little sister.

Otto: Really? Tell me how your family branch works again?

Jiro: So, I am adopted right. Subaru is my adoptive brother but my sister "Felt" isn't. She's a blood relative. My parents left us when we were young. But, I have no remembrance of what they look like. We later became orphans until our caretaker "Rom" took us in.

Otto: Cool. So, where is she nowadays? Why aren't you with her?

Jiro: Good question... I don't know... 

-I said feeling guilty. Why did I leave her?-

Timeskip: The Gathering.

Subaru POV

Garfiel: What the hell do you mean that elf can't do it? She promised to free us. 

Subaru: And that she did. But, if you understood the situation Emilia is facing. You would have the sense to empathize with her based on the trauma she has endured.

Otto: Hey, why don't we think of an alternative to escape?

Garfiel: Like what?! <agitated> 

Jiro: Oh! What if we used the crystal Frederica gave us and pass through the barrier together?

Garfiel: Such weak and pathetic logic from another imbecile! Great! Am I the only one with the balls & brains to think around here? Listen closely, and listen good you dumb-blonde! If we pass through the barrier, do you know what will happen?

Jiro: Umm, we'll all get out scotch free right?! <naive>

Garfiel: Grrr.. No... our souls would transcend from our bodies. You buffoon.

Jiro: Why is that so bad? You can simply return back into, correct?

Garfiel: I wish it was that simple, but No. The inhabitants including I that live here are born with a higher percentage... 75% beast, 25% Human. 50% beast, 50% human. Do you get at what I'm trying to imply, idiot?

Jiro: Yes. Even though I am bad at math, I can still calculate, Garfiel.

-Ignoring my brother's response, Garfiel turns to Otto & I for insight on how we should escape-

Garfiel: Anyways. Before any of us are motivated for newer ideas <looks at Jiro> 

-All four of us looking amongst each other. I tried my best to hold in laughter as Garfiel is baffled by our stupidity. Four guys trying their best to think of a good strategy but no one could.-

Garfiel: You gotta be shitting me! Really, no one is smart enough to come up with a better plan.

-Annoyed that no one would dare say another word. I had no use of wasting time.-

Subaru: I do have a proposition... if you are ready to listen...

Garfiel: Please don't tell me this is a surreal scheme you've been seriously thinking about emerging out of your arse.

Subaru: No... Much Better.

Garfiel: Go on! Explain to us your ingenious plan then! I'm waiting.

Subaru: Somebody other than Emilia should take on the tribunals.

Garfiel: Who? You? Don't make me laugh!

Subaru: Don't underestimate the power of the mind, Garfiel. I might be your last prospect of obtaining freedom.

Garfiel: It's true. You do negotiate with such a high deal of strong conviction, though I can't get off alone by decent chance that you will pass. So, I will speak to Elder Ryuzu in the meantime. 

Later

Having a deep discussion with Roswaal about his previous whereabouts to the constant attacks on Irlam Village and the Manor. I find it hard to believe that he isn't plotting against us. We all know he is keeping a secret. But, will he prove himself useful to explain why? 

Subaru: Where were you before the Mansion was under attack? Playing poker with the nobles?

Roswaal: Now, my good friend... why would I do something so trivial? 

Subaru: I don't know. Plotting for the future ahead is your investment. Why else!

Jiro: Also, you've been consistently busy, Roswaal. Please just tell us the truth! What are trying to hide from us? 

Roswaal: My boy... If I told you... would I still be trusted thereafter.

Jiro: That all depends. Whether you are affiliated with the Witch's Cult or not? 

Roswaal: You have my word, I am not in part with those belligerent psychopaths... neither am I your enemy, Jiro-sama. I simply want the same things as you do, to see Emilia and Subaru ride off into the sunset. Hand by hand... 

Jiro: ...... <accepting the fact>

Subaru: Bullshit. If you honestly cared for my well-being and the rest. You wouldn't have deserted the moment our lives were in danger. 

Roswaal: I think we are done here. <frowns> Please, Subaru. Stay strong for Miss Emilia. She needs you now.

-Taking our leave as I watch Subaru stand by the door... He grasps it abruptly as a means of frustration. I'm not going to blame him, though, because I'd worry if we're start to crash and burn. For every second we give up, is another second the enemy draws closer and there is no telling what will happen to the population of Sanctuary, then all hope would be lost. So, We need to stay strong, as Roswaal instructed us to do.-

Timeskip: Roswaal's Mansion/Nightfall

As Brothers, 

We...

Thought...

Everything....

Would...

Be...

Fine...

Except...

It...

Wasn't...

Because someone we thought we'll never see again...returned for revenge

Fine... If our nemesis wants to play dirty. Let them...

The clock will tick faster, and every second we savor will be their last...

Even though if it's an Inescapable Defeat. We'll win eventually...

Jiro: Kill... Me... <gurgles blood>

Elsa: Your guts have such a lovely color, Lugnica.