Shattered Path

Chapter 1: Welcome to Pandemonium

"This is it."

Both Subaru and Beatrice just arrived in front of a large ominous building. It was several times larger than Roswaal's manor and there was no one in sight around the establishment.

Beatrice was holding onto Subaru's hand tightly. This is the first time exploring beyond the Mather's domain and this place certainly didn't leave the spirit a good first impression. "Betty's Subaru has a lousy taste in homes, I suppose."

"This is the only place I can feel safe at." Subaru responded in his same emotionless voice he had been.

Beatrice tensed up, immediately regretting her choice of words. Subaru was that person. Why would she speak ill of his home?

"Besides," Subaru continued. "It's more like a headquarters if anything."

Beatrice's grip tightened around Subaru's hand. "Sorry... I should've been more considerate." Her voice was very shaky as she said this.

Subaru turned to Beatrice. He could see her hand visibly shaking. "Don't worry about it. It isn't a big deal." Normally, such a belittling comment would've enraged Subaru but seeing Beatrice with all her pretty colors was more than enough to let it slide.

The two continued forward into the large establishment. Beatrice's gaze was darting all over the place, examining the establishment as this would be her new home from now on. All in all, it wasn't all too bad. Sure, the place had a very cryptic vibe but everything looked surprisingly neat and organized.

However, the spirit's evaluation was put to an abrupt halt as a figure seemed to slip into her line of sight from the corner of her eyes. Out of nowhere, what looked like a black and gray wolf wearing a black kimono suddenly stood in front of the two.

Before the wolf man could put a word in, the startled Beatrice jumped in front of Subaru and lifted her hand threateningly to this aggressor, preparing an attack.

"Miny-"

Before Beatrice could finish her incantation, Subaru placed a hand over her shoulder, stopping her. "He's not an enemy. He just works here."

Beatrice looked to her Subaru then back to the wolf man. After realizing they aren't in any real danger, she crossed her arms and made a humph sound. "It's his fault for appearing without warning, in fact!"

The wolf man, finally having a chance to speak, let out a hearty chuckle. "I was just trying to welcome you back, boss."

Subaru sighed. "Beatrice, this is Halibel. He's my bodyguard. Halibel, this is Beatrice. She'll be living here from now on."

The wolf man who was introduced as Halibel casually waved to Beatrice. "Hey, little miss. Sorry for scaring you like that."

"B-Betty wasn't scared! I was only ensuring Subaru's safety, in fact." Beatrice answered in typical tsundere fashion.

Not following up with the spirit's response, Halibel turned to Subaru. "I can see why you didn't want me to come with you now. I didn't think you were the type to abduct little girls."

Clearly offended, Beatrice was quick to defend Subaru. "Don't make assumptions, boy. Betty willingly chose to follow her Subaru."

Halibel chuckled again. "It's ok, little miss. I'm just joking with-"

"Stop it..." Subaru suddenly said. His lifeless stare looked much scarier than it already was and this was enough to even give Beatrice a little scare.

Halibel scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, sorry about that, boss. So, did you want me to leave you and the little miss alone?"