Subaru wakes with a start, his heart racing and his breath coming in shallow gasps. The familiar softness of the bed, the sun filtering through the curtains, and the lavish room all feel like a cruel joke. The memory of his death, the searing pain and the terror, still cling to him. He grips the Omnitrix on his wrist, finding some comfort in its steady green glow, but deep down he knows that his survival isn't just thanks to his alien transformations. The power to "Return by Death" is a curse he can't share with anyone, not even the people he's slowly coming to care for.
Sitting up in bed, Subaru takes a few calming breaths. "I've died… and I came back," he whispers, his voice cracking. He knows instinctively that he must keep this truth to himself. The idea of even mentioning his strange power sends chills down his spine, as if something is watching, ready to punish him.
Subaru clenches his fists. If he wants to survive this world, he must adapt, to grow stronger. Brute force alone won't be enough; he needs strategy, finesse, and a keen awareness of everything happening around him. It's time to pay attention to every detail, to take this gift—no, this curse—and turn it into an advantage.
"I need to be smarter," Subaru tells himself, determination blazing in his eyes. "If I want to protect everyone, if I want to live, I have to master this Divine Protection."
_________________________________________
Subaru greets Rem and Ram in the same way as before, but his gaze is sharper, his mind recording their expressions and mannerisms. He notices how Ram's eyes linger on him, filled with suspicion, while Rem's kindness seems tinged with a subtle wariness. Their movements are precise, like they're used to keeping secrets or handling potential threats.
Subaru sits at the breakfast table with Emilia, Roswaal, and Puck. He follows the exact same route as he did in the previous loop. He tries to act casual, but his mind is analyzing everything. Emilia's laugh is genuine, but Subaru can see her concern when she glances at him, as if she can sense his inner turmoil.
Roswaal chatters playfully, his voice a sing-song melody, but Subaru detects the shrewdness in his every word. Puck, meanwhile, floats around with playful ease, but Subaru knows better than to underestimate the spirit.
"You're unusually quiet today, Subaru," Emilia remarks, tilting her head.
"Ah, just savouring the food! Can't waste energy talking when there's so much deliciousness to focus on," Subaru replies with a grin, earning a giggle from Emilia. Inwardly, though, he's storing every little detail.
_________________________________________
Over the next few days, Subaru sneaks away to the manor gardens and other secluded areas to train with the Omnitrix. Ram and Rem observe him from a distance, occasionally scolding or watching in curiosity, but Subaru ignores them, focused on his goal of mastery.
1. Humungousaur: Subaru tests his strength, lifting massive boulders and practicing combat stances. His raw power is immense, but he realizes his bulky form makes him slower, and the confined spaces of the manor could hinder his movements.
2. Big Chill: With this form, Subaru experiments with intangibility, slipping through walls and freezing the air around him. He feels the cold sap his energy but knows this form's stealth and freezing abilities will be invaluable.
3. Swampfire: Subaru marvels at his regeneration and the power to summon fire at will. In this form, he tests explosive attacks, igniting trees and quickly regenerating. However, he must control his flames to avoid causing widespread damage.
4. Echo Echo: Subaru splits into several copies of himself, learning the art of coordination. Controlling multiple bodies at once is tricky, but the potential to overwhelm an enemy with numbers excites him.
5. Jetray: He practices flight, zooming across the sky with lightning speed, but landing without crashing proves difficult.
6. Brainstorm: Subaru uses this form to solve complex puzzles and think through battle tactics. While incredibly intelligent, Subaru finds himself lost in thought, overcomplicating simple problems.
7. Chromastone: The ability to absorb and redirect energy makes this form a powerhouse in defence. Subaru practices absorbing blasts and sending them back at targets, but timing is everything with Chromastone, and he's still learning.
8. Spider-Monkey: Agile and quick, Subaru trains this form in acrobatic maneuvers, leaping across rooftops and avoiding detection. However, he struggles to keep balance at times.
9. Goop: This form's malleability allows Subaru to squeeze through tight spaces, but the form's lack of a solid structure can leave him vulnerable to strong, direct hits.
10. Alien X: Subaru knows this form's god-like powers come with immense responsibility, and after one attempt, he realizes he's not mentally prepared to use it yet. Its power is too overwhelming.
Subaru's mastery grows, but he realizes his alien forms all have strengths and weaknesses. Each one must be used wisely depending on the situation. As he trains, Ram often mocks him for wasting time, while Rem silently watches, her eyes filled with suspicion.
_________________________________________
The fateful day on which he dies came once again. On the trip to the village with Rem, Subaru takes everything in. When he sees the adorable puppy that bit him in his previous loop, he makes a snap decision. Acting carefree, he picks up the fluffy little thing and allows it to nip at his hand.
"Ow!" Subaru winces, rubbing his hand as the puppy's teeth prick his skin. "That's one sharp little guy!" He laughs, masking his suspicion. "I must be too irresistible."
Rem, watching with a smile, doesn't seem alarmed. Subaru can't tell if she's oblivious or hiding something.
Subaru makes sure to assist the villagers with their chores, taking note of their subtle expressions and the way they exchange glances. The village seems peaceful, but there's an underlying tension that he hadn't noticed before.
Back at the mansion, Subaru decides to test his luck with the corridors. This time, he's determined not to get lost. He strolls with his hands behind his head, whistling as he walks. As he approaches a series of doors, he pauses, contemplating his options.
"Alright, if I were a door that led to a secret, totally-not-creepy library, which one would I be?" he asks himself. He points to a door and winks. "My instincts tell me this one!"
He swings the door open and, to his delight, finds himself in the dimly lit, book-filled haven of the Forbidden Library. Beatrice, sitting primly in her oversized chair, looks up with her usual exasperated expression.
"Oh, it's you again," Beatrice sighs, placing a finger on her cheek. "Honestly, how many times do you plan to barge in here, I suppose?"
Subaru spreads his arms dramatically. "What can I say, Betty? Fate keeps bringing us together. Maybe you're the one calling me here?"
Beatrice's eyes narrow, but Subaru notices the faintest hint of amusement. "I assure you, there's nothing fateful about this intrusion."
Subaru rubs the back of his neck, trying to look innocent. "Well, now that I'm here, maybe you can do me a little favor? See, I think I got a bit nibbled on by the cutest puppy, and now my hand feels weird."
Beatrice sets down her book, her eyes flickering to Subaru's hand. She lets out an unimpressed sigh. "You let it bite you on purpose, didn't you? Such foolishness… and you're proud of it, I suppose."
Subaru grins sheepishly. "You caught me. But hey, I figured if something weird happened, I've got you to help me out, right?"
With a huff, Beatrice hops off her chair and approaches Subaru. She grabs his hand, inspecting the mark from the puppy's bite. "A curse from a mabeast, hmm? You're lucky I'm in a good mood today."
Subaru blinks, eyes wide with disbelief. "A curse?! That cute little fluffball did that to me? Man, and here I thought we were friends."
Beatrice rolls her eyes, her arms crossed. "Friendship with a mabeast, how delightful. Truly, your ability to make poor decisions knows no bounds, in fact." With a sigh, she mutters a few arcane words, and Subaru feels warmth course through his hand as the curse is lifted. Beatrice's expression remains stoic, but there's a hint of satisfaction in her gaze. "There, you're cured. Now leave me alone before I regret wasting magic on you, I suppose."
Subaru clutches his hand dramatically. "Beatrice, you've saved my life! How can I ever repay you? Shall I serenade you with a song? Write you a poem? Perhaps devote myself entirely to your whims?"
Beatrice's eyebrow twitches upward, though a small smile betrays her. "Spare me your nonsense, in fact. Besides, your so-called undying devotion is as unimpressive as your intellect, I suppose."
Subaru chuckles, the laughter genuine and heartfelt, causing Beatrice's lips to twitch. "You know, I'm starting to think you actually like having me around, Betty."
Beatrice's eyes widen slightly, and she quickly turns away, cheeks tinted pink. "Ridiculous. Leave before I decide that saving you was a mistake, I suppose!"
Subaru bows with mock chivalry, a playful grin on his face. "Your wish is my command, O Mistress of the Library." But as he steps out of the library, the grin slips from his face. The realization that the puppy is a mabeast—a cursed creature that has likely endangered the village children—sends a chill down his spine.
"Crap!" Subaru bolts down the mansion's hallway, adrenaline coursing through his veins. "The kids! They're in danger!"
_________________________________________
It is already dark. Subaru dashes out of the mansion, sprinting full speed toward the village. His heart pounds, not just from the exertion but from the sheer panic gripping him. He doesn't have time to think about his actions—only the urgent need to save the children.
However, as Subaru rushes past the garden, a blue-haired maid steps into his path. Rem's usual gentle expression is twisted with suspicion, her iron flail already spinning at her side. Her sharp eyes narrow dangerously.
"Subaru-kun" Rem's voice is soft but chilling, "why are you running toward the village so frantically? Are you planning to harm the people you've deceived with your good acting?"
Subaru stumbles to a halt, nearly tripping over himself. "W-What?! No, no, you've got it all wrong!" he protests, raising his hands in a placating gesture. "I swear, I'm trying to help the village, not hurt it!"
Rem's eyes harden, and her grip on the flail tightens. "Lies," she murmurs, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and resolve. "The Witch's miasma clings to you, Subaru-kun. I can't let you endanger innocent lives."
Before Subaru can explain further, Rem lunges, her weapon hurtling toward him. Subaru's mind races. He doesn't want to fight her, but he can't afford to waste time either. With the Omnitrix glowing, Subaru contemplates which alien form could diffuse the situation—or at least let him get past Rem without hurting her.
"Rem, please!" he shouts, backpedaling as he considers his options. "I'm not your enemy! The real danger is out there, in the village!"
But Rem isn't listening. She's made up her mind, and Subaru realizes he's going to have to find a way to convince her—or risk a brutal encounter with one of the mansion's most powerful defenders
The Omnitrix glows fiercely, and with a flash of green light, Subaru transforms into Swampfire. Flames erupt from his hands as he unleashes a blazing inferno toward Rem. But she's too fast—her incredible speed propels her out of the line of fire, and with a chilling accuracy, she swings her spiked flail. The chains whistle through the air, coiling around Subaru's body, binding him in an unbreakable grip.
With a powerful yank, Rem tears him apart, shredding his body with terrifying force.
"You'll die here, servant of the Witch!" she snarls, her face twisted in rage, a single demonic horn sprouting from her forehead.
But Subaru's torn form begins to knit itself back together. He regenerates swiftly, and the Omnitrix flashes once more. In an instant, he shifts into Humungousaur, towering over Rem. With a roar, he flexes his colossal muscles, snapping the chains with raw, brute strength. His massive fist slams into the earth, sending shockwaves that tear across the ground. Rem leaps away, nimble and unyielding, evading his every attempt to crush her.
Frustrated and desperate, Subaru knows brute force won't be enough. His mind races, heart heavy with hesitation. Even in this fierce battle, he can't shake his reluctance to truly hurt Rem. She's more than just an opponent—she's a close friend, someone who's shown him kindness and warmth, even if she can't see him as an ally now. Subaru's fists tremble as he pulls back from another swing, the thought of harming her twisting in his gut. He needs to find a way to stop her without causing her pain, but his options are running out.
The Omnitrix pulses again, and he changes into Big Chill, his form now ghostly and ethereal. He slips through Rem's attacks, her deadly swings passing harmlessly through his intangible body. Frost swirls from his wings, freezing the air and coating her flail with ice. Rem's movements slow, her breath fogging in the bitter cold.
"Stop this, Rem!" Subaru shouts, his ghastly voice echoing in the freezing air. "I'm not your enemy!"
But Rem's fury is too deep, her mistrust too overwhelming. She charges at him again, her attacks wild, her desperation palpable. Subaru can't bring himself to hurt her. He makes a split-second decision and transforms into Echo Echo. In an explosion of white light, he multiplies into dozens of identical forms, surrounding Rem from all sides.
Rem's eyes widen, and she lashes out, destroying clone after clone, her flail tearing through them with terrifying speed. But Subaru's strategy is working—her rage is unfocused, her energy draining. Finally, in a blur of green light, Subaru morphs into Goop. The acidic slime splatters onto the ground, and in a fluid movement, he flows beneath Rem's feet. Reforming behind her, he envelops her in his gelatinous grip, immobilizing her completely and suffocating her.
_________________________________________
Subaru stands over Rem, his chest heaving as the adrenaline from the battle courses through his veins. He deactivates the Omnitrix, his body shrinking back to normal. Rem lies on the ground, her demon horn slowly retracting as her energy fades. Her flail slips from her grasp, clattering to the dirt. Confusion clouds her eyes, mingling with the remnants of fear and rage.
Subaru takes a shaky step forward, his heart aching at the sight of her vulnerability.
"Why?" she whispers, voice trembling. "Why didn't you kill me?"
Subaru kneels in front of her, his gaze unwavering. "Because I'd never hurt you. Even if it kills me, I'll save you… because you mean that much to me."
The silence is heavy, broken only by Rem's shuddering breaths. And for the first time, the wall between them begins to crack.
"Rem, please," he says, his voice gentle but resolute. "I'm not your enemy. I never was. I just want to protect everyone."
Rem's breathing slows, her cerulean eyes narrowing as she searches his face. The swirling miasma of the Witch's scent still clings to him, but the sincerity in his expression causes her to falter. "Protect... everyone?" she whispers, her voice barely audible. "Even though you reek of the Witch's scent?"
Subaru kneels down beside her, ignoring the exhaustion weighing on him. "I know it's hard to trust me," he admits. "But I swear to you, Rem—I'd never hurt you. I'd never hurt anyone in this village. That's why I ran. To save the children from a mabeast lurking nearby."
Rem's fingers tighten against the ground. "A... mabeast?"
He nods fervently, desperation seeping into his voice. "Yes! That puppy I played with—it's a mabeast, spreading curses to the kids. If I don't act now, they could all be in grave danger." He pauses, his eyes pleading. "I need your help. We don't have much time."
Rem's eyes widen, a glimmer of realization breaking through her clouded emotions. The memories of Subaru's laughter with the village children, his clumsy yet genuine attempts to help, and his tireless efforts to fit in flash through her mind. Slowly, she pushes herself up to a sitting position, her body trembling with fatigue. Her suspicion wavers, replaced by a fragile hope.
"You're... not lying, are you, Subaru-kun?" Rem whispers, her voice fragile, as though clinging to a thread of belief.
Subaru's expression softens. "No, Rem. I promise you, I'm telling the truth. You can confirm with Beatrice. If I am lying, I will swallow a thousand pins." He extends a hand toward her, offering trust even in the face of her previous hostility. "Please. We can save them together."
Rem looks at his outstretched hand, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Her heart wars with her doubts, but Subaru's sincerity is impossible to ignore. With a hesitant breath, she reaches out, placing her hand in his.
"I'll help you, Subaru-kun," Rem says, her voice steady but still carrying the weight of her earlier uncertainty. "But if you betray this trust… I won't forgive you."
Subaru's face lights up with relief, and he squeezes her hand gently. "Thank you, Rem. You won't regret this." He rises to his feet, pulling her up with him. The urgency of the situation presses on them, and they exchange a determined glance.