Re: Zero Ghoul

12# A welcome warmth

Subaru was walking with a shadow overcast on his eyes. Holding Rem on his arms, going back and forth from the shameful memories of the night he attacked his father out of hunger, and Rem when she lashed out at him. He didn't even feel like pressing his teeth. He just wanted to bring Rem to the village, and then retreat to his room.

He kept trudging through the woods, but then, Subaru felt Ram's smell coming towards him. How did she find us?, Subaru thought. He sighed and put on a neutral face. He still had a bent over posture.

- Subaru! - Ram shouted from afar.

- We are fine! - Subaru shouted back.

That didn't stop Ram from running at the two. He kept walking until Ram was in front of him, or rather, inspecting her unconscious (and to some extent, bloodstained) sister.

- She is alive. We still have time - Subaru assured, still sounding tired.

Ram looked at him worried.

- What happened?

- She attacked me for no reason, aside from the wolgrams. She didn't listen or run away, so I hit her in the horn with my finger, to flee with her on tow - explained Subaru, as if reciting a boring lesson.

Ram flinched, she obviously didn't like hearing about her sister going out of control AND being knocked out.

- I was then forced to kill all the mabeasts that gave pursuit - Subaru added. - I left Rem on top of a tree before that.

Ram looked at him half confused, and half conflicted.

- ... Leave Rem, I'll carry her - she instructed, after making up her mind.

- Where do I leave her?

- Leave her under that tree. I'll tend to her first.

Subaru nodded and gently laid Rem down beside a crooked tree and waited for Ram.

Once Ram healed what little injuries her sister had, they restarted the way back. Ram lead the way, with her sister on her back. And Subaru followed silently. Ram didn't make any attempt to make him talk, which was nice.

After more walking, they were at the edge of the village, and both decided to go to the place Emilia was (it was also where Subaru's clothes were). And so, the two (plus Rem, still unconscious) tried to get to the house avoiding as much attention as possible. It was useless to start a ruckus with the villagers because a girl had blood on her dress, and a boy was in his underwear. Still, some villagers did see them. And sadly, they bumped into four children. Seemingly, part of the missing group from yesterday.

- Subaru! - a kid said.

- Ram! - another one called.

The young maid stopped, turning slowly at them, careful to not shake her sister, but Subaru kept his tired marching.

- Subaru? - the first kid asked, making some steps towards him.

Subaru shifted, bending over a bit more, and waved his hand dismissively.

- What is wrong with him? - the kid innocently asked to Ram.

- He is overwhelmed by the recent events - she quickly clarified. - Better not to bother him.

The children looked at Subaru, who was crestfallen and hunched over. But before somebody did something, he had already turned around a corner.

When Subaru entered the house where Emilia was, he saw his clothes over a dresser, and Beatrice sitting nearby, bored, looking over a window. And just as he went to get his clothes, Emilia comically peeked from a door.