As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the forest, Subaru, Ram, and the still-weak Rem hasten toward the village. Yet, the relentless horde of mabeasts pursues them. At the forefront of this chaotic chase is the small, mischievous puppy that had bitten Subaru earlier, its body now shimmering with a dark magic that pulses ominously. The ground beneath them trembles, the earth wobbling and shifting, threatening to send them sprawling.
In a moment of terrifying transformation, the puppy swells in size, morphing into a massive beast that towers over them, its growls shaking the very air. Subaru's heart races, a cold clarity settling over him. They won't outrun this one, not with the sheer numbers closing in behind.
"Get her out of here!" he shouts fiercely, turning to Ram, who stands ready to fight. He gently hands Rem, now conscious but frail, off his back to her sister. The warmth of her body lingers in his grasp, and he feels the weight of the decision he must make. "I'll hold them off."
"Subaru-kun, no…" Rem protests weakly, her voice strained, fear threading through her words as she clings to her sister.
But Ram's eyes glisten with unshed tears as she pulls Rem away. "We have to trust him," she chokes out, her voice breaking under the weight of their circumstances. Subaru watches them retreat, his heart heavy with a mixture of worry and fierce determination. He knows what he must do, and there's no turning back now.
Subaru activates the Omnitrix one last time, transforming into Swampfire. His body erupts in flames, the heat igniting a newfound strength within him.
The mabeasts converge, a snarling mass of fur and fangs, but Subaru stands his ground, channeling every ounce of power he has left. The mabeasts swarm him, but his plant-like regeneration keeps him fighting. Flames and vines lash out in a whirlwind of fire, creating a blazing inferno that arcs across the forest floor. He lets loose a torrent of fiery strikes, enveloping the mabeasts in waves of scorching heat, pushing them back.
Yet, just as he begins to gain the upper hand, the enormous boss mabeast lumbers toward him, its massive form crackling with earthen power and deadly lasers ready to be unleashed. Subaru meets its gaze, recognizing that this may be the final hurdle.
As the mabeast charges, Subaru steadies himself, feeling the fiery flames swirling around him. He leaps forward to meet the beast head-on, flames igniting his limbs as he calls upon the full might of Swampfire. The clash is fierce; their energies collide in a burst of light and sound. Subaru's flames burn bright and fierce, while his vines stretch out, trying to constrict and crush the towering monster.
The mabeast retaliates, firing lasers that scorch the ground and send splinters of earth flying. At the same time, it uses its earth magic to create earthen spears to impale Subaru.
Subaru dodges and weaves, but the relentless assault keeps coming. He retaliates with blasts of fire, each strike illuminating the dusk as he fights against the overwhelming odds.
As the battle rages, Subaru feels the strain of his body, the toll of his transformations weighing heavily on him. But he pushes through, drawing from the depths of his resolve. The mabeast lunges, jaws snapping, but Subaru rolls aside and retaliates with a fiery lash of his vines, wrapping them around its legs and yanking it off balance.
In the end, Subaru channels all his remaining strength into one last explosive attack. He gathers the fire within him, feeling it surge through his body like a storm, and releases it in a brilliant wave of flames. The blast engulfs the beast, illuminating the forest in a blinding light as it roars in fury and pain.
With a final, ear-splitting explosion, the mabeast is overwhelmed by the fire, collapsing to the ground in a smouldering heap. Subaru stands amidst the chaos, panting heavily, the adrenaline slowly ebbing away. He watches the remnants of the inferno flicker out, the oppressive darkness of the forest now slightly receding.
As the remaining mabeasts close in, Subaru feels the last remnants of his strength slip away. He collapses to his knees, the flames that once danced around him flickering weakly before they sputter out. His transformation undone, leaving him vulnerable and exposed.
The surviving mabeasts, emboldened by his defeat, draw closer, their eyes gleaming with hunger and deadly intent. Their growls resonate in the dimming light, a haunting symphony of chaos that drowns out the distant sounds of the village.
"Subaru-kun!" Rem's voice pierces through the tumult, raw and desperate. She pushes herself off Ram's back, her body trembling with the effort, but she falls to the ground, unable to reach him. The sight of her struggling ignites a flicker of hope in Subaru's heart, yet it's overshadowed by the despair that grips him.
He clenches his fists, a wave of regret crashing over him. If only… if only I had practiced more, he thinks bitterly, a sharp pang twisting in his chest. He knows he has powerful transformations at his disposal, abilities that could change the course of any battle. Yet, here he is—unable to wield them effectively, the skills barely honed, his strength falling short when Rem needs him most.
Why didn't I push myself harder? Subaru's mind races with frustration, memories of the countless times he could have trained, moments he'd let slip by, assuming he'd have time to master his transformations later. But now, as he watches Rem struggle, the weight of his unpreparedness presses down on him like a vice, stifling his resolve. He feels the gap between his potential and his reality, the painful reminder that, despite his powers, he's still far unleashing his true potential.
'What good are these transformations if I can't use them effectively when it matters?' he thinks, a knot of anger and guilt tightening in his chest.
His gaze hardens as he looks at Rem, determination rekindling in his eyes. I won't let this happen again; he vows silently. For Emilia, for Rem… for everyone… I'll train harder. I'll make sure that next time, I'm ready.
Just when he's sure he's reached his limit, feeling the oppressive weight of darkness creeping into the corners of his vision, a sudden burst of magic engulfs the area. The air crackles with energy, and a vibrant light erupts, illuminating the surrounding forest in a radiant glow. Subaru squints against the brightness, his heart racing with a mix of fear and anticipation.
Roswaal appears, his whimsical demeanor a stark contrast to the overwhelming power that radiates from him. A smile plays at the corners of his lips, yet his eyes reflect an intensity that sends a shiver down Subaru's spine. In an instant, he raises his hand, and with a flourish, he obliterates the remaining mabeasts with ease, their forms disintegrating into nothingness as if they were mere shadows in the light.
Subaru watches in awe, relief flooding through him like a refreshing tide. The battle that had threatened to consume him is suddenly over, the danger vanquished by Roswaal's effortless display of might. A faint smile tugs at Subaru's lips, warmth spreading in his chest as he realizes that he saved everyone. He fought to protect them, and despite the odds, they have emerged victorious.
But the exhaustion that had been creeping up on him finally overtakes him. His limbs feel heavy, and the adrenaline that had fueled him for so long dissipates. As the world around him begins to blur, he collapses to the ground.
Just as he hits the forest floor, a whirlwind of warmth and softness crashes into him—it's Rem, throwing herself at him in a fierce hug. "Subaru-kun!" she exclaims, wrapping her arms around him with worry and determination.
"I'm fine, Rem! Really!" he slurs, but the comfort of her embrace pulls him deeper into a cozy haze. Instead of shaking off the exhaustion, he sags against her, surrendering to the urge to sleep.
"Don't you dare faint on me!" she chides, tightening her grip. But it's no use. With a dramatic flair, Subaru's head lolls against her shoulder, and he slips into unconsciousness.
"Subaru-kun!" Rem exclaims, flustered yet relieved, her cheeks flushing as she realizes she just hugged him into oblivion. As the forest falls silent, she vows to take good care of him, even if it means keeping an eye on his tendency to faint at the slightest affection.
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Subaru blinked against the soft light streaming through the window, the warmth of the bed wrapping around him like a comforting cocoon. He could feel Rem's gentle hand in his, the familiar touch anchoring him to the present. The reality of the moment sank in—he was alive, and Rem was here, her emotions laid bare in her tear-filled gaze.
"Hey, Rem… looks like we did it," he said, his voice rough but resolute.
Rem's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and her smile broke through her sorrow. "Subaru-kun, you scared me half to death. When you collapsed…" Her voice trembled, and her tears spilled over.
Subaru squeezed her hand, trying to pour all the strength he could into that simple gesture. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. I just—" He paused, searching for the right words. "I couldn't let the mabeast hurt those kids. I knew I might not make it back."
Rem shook her head, her smile fading as her heartache surfaced. "But why, Subaru-kun? Why would you risk everything for someone like me? I'm… I'm just Rem. I'm not as strong or capable as my sister…"
"Rem," Subaru interrupted gently, lifting her chin with his other hand, his gaze steady and warm. "You're not 'just Rem.' You're amazing in your own right. I've seen the way you fight, how fiercely you protect the people you care about. It doesn't matter that you feel like you live in Ram's shadow. Your strength is your strength, and it's just as valuable."
She wiped away a tear, but a hint of doubt still lingered in her eyes. "But I always feel like I'm not enough. Like I'm always in her shadow. She's so strong and confident, while I'm just a… a demon girl."
"'Demon girl?' Seriously?" Subaru tilts his head with a playful grin. "That's just part of who you are, Rem. It doesn't define you. Hell, you're a demonically inspired badass in my eyes. You stood up against that mabeast horde when it nearly crushed you. You helped me save the kids. That's not something just anyone can do."
Rem's heart swelled at his words, but the insecurity still clung to her. "But Subaru-kun… you're the one who always sees the best in others. I don't know how you do it, but I wish I could see that in myself."
Subaru leaned closer, his face serious now, though his eyes shone with warmth. "Then let me help you see it. Every day, find one small thing to look forward to. It could be a moment of laughter, the taste of a meal, or even just sitting with me like this. Life isn't just about grand achievements; it's about cherishing the little things too. And hey, I'm pretty great at making moments to look forward to, if I do say so myself." He winked playfully.
Her tears began to fall freely now, each one a release of the emotions she'd kept hidden for so long. "Subaru-kun, you're… you're so kind. I never thought someone could make me feel like maybe… maybe I don't need to be like Ram to be worthy of love and friendship."
Subaru's heart tightened at her words, and he grinned, his voice laced with sincerity. "Exactly! You're worthy just as you are. You don't need to change for anyone. And you definitely don't need to be anyone else. Just be you, and I'll be right here cheering you on."
Rem's eyes widened, her breath catching as the realization slowly settled over her. "You… mean it?" she whispered, her voice fragile, as if afraid of the truth.
"Of course I do," Subaru said, his smile softening. "You're one of the most important people in my life, Rem. I want to see you smile and embrace who you are, no matter what."
Rem's chest tightened at his words, her heart pounding in her ears. For a brief moment, it felt like time stopped. The flicker of hope and affection that Subaru's gaze sparked inside her caught fire, and she knew that something deep within her had shifted. "Subaru-kun…" she started, her voice quivering. "You make me feel like I can be more than I ever thought I could be."
Subaru, slightly flustered by the intensity of her gaze, scratched the back of his neck and tried to lighten the mood. "Well, I am pretty inspiring, right?" He gave her a cheeky grin and winked again, his typical playful self.
Rem's cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson, and her heart fluttered in her chest. "You're impossible, Subaru-kun," she murmured, though the softness in her voice betrayed the emotions she was still trying to keep in check. "But… I think I might be okay with that."
Subaru laughed softly, grateful for the ease she brought back to the conversation. "Good to hear! Because you've got me stuck with you now. Can't get rid of me that easily." He nudged her shoulder, trying to keep the mood light.
Rem leaned her head against Subaru's shoulder, her heart feeling a warmth she hadn't expected. She closed her eyes, letting the quiet comfort of the moment settle in. It was still too soon to fully sort through the storm of emotions within her, but for the first time, she allowed herself to believe it might just be okay to feel this way. With Subaru by her side, maybe, just maybe, she could find the strength to be herself—to be someone worth loving, no matter what.
Subaru, oblivious to the full depth of Rem's feelings, let out a relieved sigh, feeling her gentle presence beside him. He had always known she was important to him, but now, more than ever, he realized just how much he needed to protect that bond, to cherish it. He smiled to himself, a little grateful that, for once, he didn't have to fight alone.
"Look, Rem, you're—you're seriously amazing. You're someone I know I can count on no matter what." He ruffles her hair, trying to keep things light. "So, please, let's focus on what's important: my impending doom if I don't make it to breakfast before Ram finds me slacking!"
Rem's face flushes, but she laughs, playfully swatting at him. "Impossible, Subaru-kun. Only you could turn a heartfelt moment into a crisis over breakfast."
"Hey, if breakfast isn't serious business, I don't know what is!" Subaru grins, standing and reaching out a hand to help her up.
For a moment, they stand together in the morning light, her hand lingering in his a little longer than necessary. A quiet determination settles in her eyes as she thinks of all the little things she wants to cherish, with Subaru by her side.