COTE X Re: Zero: A Demon's Isekai

Building the Future.

Meanwhile, back with Subaru,

"Barasu, you're running too slow." 

"Oh no shit Sherlock!" I yelled at Ram, the pink haired one of the twins. God, their names and looks are similar. Thankfully I've gotten used to it, or I would get confused all the time. I am breathing heavily, carrying Rem in my arms as we both run together. This isn't good. I'm in a really bad situation right now. "Have you ever heard of exhaustion? Unlike you, I don't have superpowers."

Or Ayanokouji for that matter. That guy is just built different. God, where the hell did he even go? I mean, he did say he had some things to resolve, but I could really use his help right now. That guy is crazy strong, and not just that. He is smart as hell. Sure, we haven't had the chance to get too close to each other, given it's not even been a complete week yet. But, I have to say, I genuinely respect the guy. 

Now, the reason isn't his strength, his intelligence, his skills or the fact that's he so much more handsome than me that it really hurts my male pride. No, the reason, is his expression. Blank. Always. I haven't seen him crack a smile, or even a frown these last few days. Somehow, it seems like he's better off here than he was back home. I can't help but feel bad for him. He must have been going through hell wherever he is from. 

But, I guess that's something to ponder over on another day. For now, I need to focus on Rem. Come on, which way was out. Even with Ram beside me, I am not feeling confident about escaping out of here. These cute oni sisters have gone above and beyond for me, and I'm too weak to do the same in return. Fucking hell. I felt shuffling in my arms, as I looked down. 

"Rem?" I asked. "You're awake." I only received a groan in response, but that alone was answer enough. Ram looked down at her sister with a small smile on her face. 

"Thank goodness Rem." She sighed in relief. "You really are a handful, huh?" Another cursed wolf or dog or whatever charged at us, as Ram readied her magic. 

"Fula!" She said, as wind blades pierced into the creature's body, instantly killing it. We ventured deeper into the bushes, running directionless at this point. Ram can't keep her magic going for much longer, and we're no closer to getting out of this forest than before. I smacked a branch out of my way, running as fast as my tiring legs could carry me. We stopped behind a bush to catch a breather, thankfully. 

"Why...?" Rem asked. I tilted my head, looking down at her. "Why didn't you just leave me alone? You and sister showing up makes it all pointless. I have to do it by myself. No one else has to get hurt anymore."

"It's kinda too late for that." I grimaced. "Ram and I are already nearly torn to shreds, maybe even worse than you. Plus, my shoulder's dislocated."

 "It's...it's my fault. So I have to take responsibility for this." Rem muttered, looking down at the ground. "If I don't, then there's nothing I can do for sister, or even for you. I haven't changed at all, and I keep committing the same sin again and again. Because I hesitated to reach my hand out to you, you nearly died." 

Huh? That's what that was? I didn't even realize. 

But, I can't say that. 

"Look, I'm not sure what you're talking about." I said honestly. "But you decided to do all this alone to atone for that?" I sighed, then decided to do the one thing that made most sense. 

"Super slap!" 

Yes, I headbutt her.

Ow, that hurts. 

"For starters, you, Rem, are dumb. Dumb as hell." I told her. 

"Barasu, the cut on your forehead has reopened and it's bleeding again." Ram informed him.