Re:Zero FF Beatrice Heart Crossing

Chapter 14: A Shoulder to Smile On

The sharp smell of salt and the sound of crackling woke Subaru from his slumber. Hot smoke filled his lungs as he tried to take in his surroundings. His faculties slowly returned to him while he felt around the bed to wake Beatrice, but to his horror she was nowhere to be found. Subaru leapt from the bed and stumbled to his feet. The lack of oxygen forced him to stay low as he made his way to the hallway and was met with a blaze of fire. He tried to avoid the more intense flames as he made his way towards Adella's room calling for Beatrice.

Subaru: "Damn! Where could Beako have gone?!"

Panic filled his movements as his strides became more violent and uncontrolled. Upon getting closer to Adella's room he saw that the inferno that filled the castle had begun to devour the door to the head maid's quarters. Without thinking, Subaru slammed his shoulder into the door and screamed for Adella over and over. Sharp pain shot through his arm as he repeatedly slammed into the door until the heat from the flames caused the strength to leave his body. He fell to his knees and vigorously cleared his throat while clutching his arm.

Subaru: "Adella already made it out of the castle, right?! I'm sorry, I can't get through the door... I'm sorry..."

Severely winded, Subaru climbed down the stairs to the tea room which was already engulfed in flames. The couch where he had created so many cheerful memories now lay in ruins and the radiating heat threatened to scorch Subaru's eyes. The boy turned towards the dining room but the flames proved too intense as smoke filled his vision and forced him towards the foyer. Tears streamed down his face as he screamed for Beatrice and Adella. He considered running to the kitchen just to be sure, but as Subaru stepped forward he heard a loud groan followed by a resounding snap. The threshold of the foyer bowed under the heft of the stone and pinned Subaru under its weight. Given fresh air from the collapse, the fire grew more violent and surrounded him as he tried to pull himself free. Subaru cried out in protest.

Subaru: "I can't... die here... Beako... After all this, I can't... I don't want to die anymore! I don't want to be all alone. Please, Beako.. Please!"

???: "S-b-u!"

Subaru craned his head as he heard a panicked voice but couldn't find the source. The weight on his chest lessened but still felt like it was squeezing him.

???: "Wa-up!"

Subaru's head started to feel light as his consciousness started to slip. The voice had changed into a cry which pierced through to him as his vision went white.

???: "Subaru, wake up! I'm right here, in fact!"

Subaru's eyes opened as he tried to sit up but found himself pinned to the bed by a small weight on his torso. His skin was covered in a cold sweat and he appeared to be wearing the clothes that he had fallen asleep in the day before. He gazed down to ascertain the source of the weight and was met with a look of pure relief from Beatrice. The small spirit was still in her dress from yesterday, but her eyes were filled with worry. She gripped Subaru tightly around his chest and stared into his eyes waiting for him to reply.

Subaru: "Beako..."

Subaru wrapped his arms around Beatrice and squeezed her as tight as he could. The embrace was slightly painful, but Beatrice didn't care and returned his hug. They continued in silence for a few minutes before Subaru finally spoke.

Subaru: "I'm sorry..."

Beatrice: "Don't apologize, in fact. Just calm down... you were calling for Betty frantically...It quite scared me, I suppose..."

Subaru: "..."

Beatrice: "If you want to tell me, I can listen, I suppose."

Subaru: "There was...a fire. I couldn't find you or anyone else. I searched for you and I got hurt."