Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Name: Subaru Natsuki.

Age:

Outwardly: 19-20.

Mentally: ???.

Appearance:

Gear and abilities:

-Return by death.

-His sharp-tailed whip.

-unique mana-ejecting boots, can also skate on certain surfaces due to it's unique craft, bound to Subaru's mana even when off and made using  a crafted manastone by Flugel. (Can also skate using concentrated short and precise mana bursts.)

-The book of the dead (influenced slightly by echidna, retrieved at the watchtower).

-His phone (stolen, re-given and modified to connect to nearby Metia's by a friend, who can charge it).

-dragons blood curse: Let's him fully regenerate any lost body part very painfully.

-Envy factor: disconnected blink (acts as short range teleportation and can be used multiple times without problems, given by satella/envy with flugels assistance).

-sloth factor: invisible providence (an invisible hand mostly used in a hard spot).

-greed factor: cor leonis (Shift burdens of pain and hits to himself or other people).

-gluttony factor: sickening truth (can make a person spill out the truth of what they know on a question despite them not wanting to but can only work when the target is held and used only once per person, obtained after his pleiades watchtower quest).

Transformation:

THE MONSTROUS FEIND OF ENVY: SUBARU NATSUKI.

(Imagine he has his orange scarf around his neck, his mana-ejecting boots are also there though more altered to this style.)

-Obtained right before finishing his Pleiades watchtower quest.

Family:

Father: Kenichi Natsuki.

Mother: Naoko Natsuki.

Very great grandfather: Flugel Natsuki.

Very great grandmother: Satella/Envy.

Details:

Forgotten by everyone and imprisoned being labelled as the archbishop of pride despite almost having none, Subaru Natsuki had a hard time having been near death multiple times from the torture he suffered as others tried to get info from him with obviously not much progression along with a few deaths... his maturity increasing along with his feelings and attitude changing.

He was pained by others not remembering him, with Emilia hurting the most as even though he showed some small proof she chose not to believe him, despite him forgiving their actions as they are understandable in a sense... he couldn't forgive those who had gone too far, Emilia being fully included after a certain loop where some tried to help him escape- ending in failure and reopening a heavy traumatic wound with increased weight.  But despite how hard it was then there was still some light, this mainly being from 4 people: 

Reinhard, who saw that he wasn't lying after a visit and on emotion checked up on him as they quickly became friendly, and with him came F elt, who accompanied Reinhard on some visits after he questioned him and quickly connected with seeing a bit of herself from his current state and position, the two  tried to get him out legally but failed with the council of wise men making it impossible.

Spica/Louise, quickly became reattached to him due to their history, his kindness and after some talk with her hugging him, still seeing him as her other parental figure, and more surprisingly her escort there... Rem, though she had the same attitude as others at first it soon quickly changed after the first few visits and grew closer, even with her memories gone and unsure of her feelings for him due to his witch scent and him helping her despite her past murder attempts, she still stayed beside him in a way... to which his feelings for her blossomed and grew.

These 4 along with some others assisting were also the ones who planed and helped him to make an escape to a more favourable place, but the loop failed and resulted in spica getting shot which ram tried to prevent- to which Subaru pleaded with rem to leave him and take spica to be healed only for things to go chaotic and result in a freak panic attack accident by Emilia, to which rem quickly and accidentally pushed him out the way to his death... but what traumatised him was seeing Rem's body impaled and hanging from the ice as he fell, traumatising him again which furthered when remembering what petelgeuse did.

He refused that and their other attempts at finding a way to get him out after that... by stating he didn't want them to suffer like he is even if it's wrong, being the half-truth as the trauma experienced from the loop was too much for him to go through again, with them understanding despite some concerns.

Meanwhile during it all Subaru and satella/envy interacted more along with another spirit only known flugel, the great sage, Satella's lover and to surprise him along with his appearance and looks: he stated that he and satella were his ancestors and explained a few things along with how his descendants had appeared in his original world.

Though he didn't appear at each near death or deaths due to reasons, he began to see them as actual family despite there being some moments- all this culminating to a day where after some planning: flugel woke up one of his created spirits known as Gilbert that had been sealed in a very hard ore coating and after some convincing came over to help Subaru break out.

Subaru got out first due to his new gifted ability by satella/envy with some help from flugel and reunited with patrasche- who had heard him called to her and quickly connected with, while Gilbert stayed back for a bit to 'retrieve' some certain items while following Subaru's words to not kill anyone... though that didn't mean he couldn't cause some property damage, which Subaru was annoyed by.

The two soon became friends with Subaru getting to know the unique rouge-like spirit while Gilbert grew attached from how he acted with him and his kind beliefs, and after Subaru gets and crafts the last few things he needs the two stay together for a bit longer before both go their own way as Gilbert had no reason to stick by with his objective accomplished and wished to explore the current time... and due his own destructive thing, while Subaru went his own way.

Though the two did meet up again at times with Subaru also meeting new and old faces, getting along well with certain two individuals from kararagi: Halibel, who he connected well with, and Zarestia, who Gilbert introduced him to while also learning that she held rem with high regard after she helped her regain her light sphere with Gilbert's assistance when the oni he loved decided to visit kararagi- despite her not giving him her name as she thought it was more worthy to introduce her rather than just give him her name... he and Halibel also noticed that Gilbert and Zarestia having an interest in each other with their similarities, due to her personality and Gilbert...

Gilbert: " inferior witch followers, my rage for those like you with that miasma has continuously increased over the time I was sealed! Prepare to be relived of your lives as I separate the infected organs from your bodies and purge them in flame!"

"WHAT THE HELL IS THIS SPIRIT!?!?"

Gilbert: "Even if my body ceases to function, I'd continue with just my head! I would bite their ankles off!"

"I DONT KNOW JUST RUN!!"

Gilbert: "EXTERMINATE! EVISCERATE! ANNIHILATE!!!"

... being a loose cannon, no wonder he was known as flufel's rouge spirit that caused havoc for those of the witch cult, he and rem would get along as good friends- much more when her memories finally return.

Subaru now mostly went his own way with patrasche going about the place dealing with witch cultists and raging mabeasts still trying to find a way to reverse gluttony's effect- now including himself, this continuing until something called him back to Pleiades watchtower, and he knew this wasn't going to be easy, but if it is to help others he cares for and for both Rem's he's come to love... it would be worth it.

Chapter Text

*PUNCH*

Subaru: "ngh!" He grunts falling hard against the wall, appearing very beaten and bloody with many bruises and cuts as he coughs up some blood.

"You have some visitors, don't know why they keep bothering when your prideful ass stays silent."

Subaru: "a-as I've said many t-times... I-I'm not p-pride!... H-how can I be when others appear more prideful than- gah!" He said cut off by a kick to the side.

"Arrogant bastard... wont be for longer as Reinhard and that rem is here to see ya again, though we won't be here don't think you can get sneak out."  He said leaving the cell as Subaru spits out some blood grunting at his injuries before looking up to see Reinhard and rem.

Rem: "looks like you've still been getting much attention..." she said with a serious straight look as Subaru gave a slight pained yet genuine smile.

Subaru: "s-sorry to make you jealous... k-know you'd do a better job though-" he said to lighten the mood before coughing violently as Reinhard quickly goes to lean him into a better position.

Reinhard: "easy... your injuries, this is starting to go too far just to get information."

Subaru: "hadn't it gone th-that already... b-besides, at this p-point it isn't just about that anymore-e-e-" he said before having another coughing fit.

Rem: "he's right, even if a few believe he's not an archbishop... others still believe he is, and we all know what most want their fate to be." She said as Reinhard frowns.

Subaru: "b-but rem... you also h-hate cultists with passion after what they did to you and ram e-even if you don't remember, s-so again why are you do this to one assumed?" He said as she was silent as certain memories went through her mind of her time with spica and him.

Rem: "... I have my reasons." She said as she begins healing him up.

Subaru: "so... how are felt and spica? They both doing alright? How's everyone else?"

Rem: "spica's fine, she's enjoying herself though she dislikes me being away for long... still feels weird when she calls me mama." She said a bit flustered.

Subaru: "W-What's wrong with that? Doesn't it make you happy?"

Rem: "I guess...  maybe her calling you dada is what muddles it." She said giving him a grumpy look though still a bit flustered as he grunts.

Subaru: "...why the feels." He said making her roll her eyes.

Reinhard: "felts doing alright, she couldn't come today as she had things to do and spica is back at the Emilia camp playing around with the other kids at arlam village."  He said smiling as Subaru gave a slight smile.

Subaru: "Glad to know they're both fine... a-again, I'm sorry for this. Maybe If I had been more careful and chose better I wouldn't have my existence erased by gluttony, and rem would-"

Rem: "stop acting like a hero when you aren't, after all a hero wouldn't be in a prison cell...besides, we can't change it so all we can do now is try to fix it." She said with Reinhard agreeing as Subaru flinched a but from the first bit.

Subaru: "I'm not trying to be... it's how a really feel, though I'm still happy to get to where we were all over again with this rem, the past rem was also dear to me so a part of me can't help but feel as I failed her and have you understandably confused and in pain... it honestly hurts me." He said frowning in pain while Reinhard grimaced at that with some understanding before rem grabbed one of his hands and holds it while giving slight gentle cresses.

Rem: "...you said you promised to get my memories and existence back right?... well I want them back too, and if you just continue to focus on that it'll only delay that. So it's better you focus on how to fix it."  She said as Reinhard was slightly surprised by her comment as Subaru teared up a bit.

Subaru: "rem..." he said feeling some happiness of hope as rem looks to him with a serious expression yet emitted a presence of comfort.

Rem: "Subaru..."

"I love you."

Subaru: "...huh?" 

The light flickered in the room as it soon became pitch black, before light suddenly came back into Subaru's view as he sees himself in the corridors of  Roswaal's mansion along with noticing he is back in his old tracksuit.

Subaru: "what the... my injuries, my tracksuit, the mansion... this isn't right, what's going-"

The place distorts a bunch as images of those he knows and met like Emilia, ram, Beatrice, Roswaal, Garfiel, Frederica, Otto, Petra, Meili and spica start going about the place with a slightly distorted image of rem while image his image was completely distorted.

Subaru: "are those...? What is this?!" He said confused and a bit alarmed before two cry's are heard.

Beatrice: "Subaru! Betty's Subaru please come help her and the others I suppose!"

Spica: "papa! The others were attacked and are injured, we're in Beatrice's library!"

Subaru: "Beako, spica, I'm coming!" He said alarmed hearing their panicked voices, worrying about them and the others as he does he usual trick to find Beatrice's library only for the door he was about to open to be consumed into the wall. 

"I love you."

Subaru: "the hell?!"  He said before noticing the other doors down the hall starting to do the same.

 He then quickly rushes to the door that he could manage to open as the other doors were absorbed as he launches himself through, only to hit a pile of snow as he gets up confused.

Subaru: "snow?"

???: "Subaru Natsuki." Said a familiar booming voice as he quickly looks up alarmed to see puck in his true beast form as the whole area was cold and mostly frozen..

Puck: "You have committed a sin that is unforgivable and that must be atoned with severe punishment!" He echoed out to him with glowing eyes.

Subaru: "p-p-Puck?! but how are you- your contract with Emilia is broken, she hasn't even died!"

Emilia: "That's enough archbishop of pride!" She shouts coming into his view as he soon notices others from the Emilia camp also appearing with those from other camps as well, surrounding him.

Subaru: "I-I'm not pride Emilia! Gluttony ate my name- I'm saying the truth, just give me the chance to prove it to you all please!" He said before many others began calling him out angrily.

"Liar!"

"With that much witch miasma he can only be as such!"

"Die you damn cultist!"

Subaru: "but I hate the cult too! I want them gone just like you all-!"

Emilia: "Enough, detain him!" She said as many began rushing at him.

Subaru: "w-wait-!"  He said before stumbling back.

"I love you!"

Subaru soon falls hard onto the icy snow from alarm and shock, causing it to shatter apart as he begins falling through dark purple/black mist and clouds- looking up in panic as he soon sees images and hears sounds of fighting that grew louder and louder until a figure of rem is made clear with it having marks like broken glass.

Rem: "SUBARU! SPICA!"

Subaru: "REM!!" He shouts before a purple hand grabs him and pulls him down quicker until he goes into a large mouth which is then forced shut by different coloured hands as a sinister chuckle echoed.

In reality:

Subaru: "GRAH!!" He yells suddenly waking up in the afternoon as he launches himself off the ground he was sleeping on and uses invisible providence to punch a large rock at high speeds, making it shatter to pieces.

Patrasche quickly wakes up on alert hearing after hearing Subaru panic as he takes in his surroundings while hyperventilating, then soon after breathing heavily to calm himself down as she approaches concerned, he then takes a deep breath before he looks to see her worried for him and pets her.

Subaru: "... im alright patrasche..." he said though not sure of that himself at this point, as patrasche notices and nudges her head further into his pets, making him soften before his eyes widen as he quickly recalls his dream.

Subaru: "That nightmare... it's just like the recent occurring ones aside from the usual, but it was clearer now that we are in view of Pleiades watchtower." He said looking to the very large watchtower in the distance far away.

Subaru: "Could it be... but I heard the others have been there many times and haven't found anything yet and flugel has been silent about it along with satella- wait... maybe there's more to it so that they think it's best to stay silent to me, that is something they'd do." He said with thought as patrasche tilted her head with some confusion before he became serious.

Subaru: "I don't know fully, but I feel that it might finally be our solution... and something wants to prevent it. Cmon patrasche, we got to get some assistance first before we finally head to flugels place." He said getting on patrasche as she squeals before rushing off to a certain direction as Subaru kept having a straight yet focused face.

_____

Flashback:

Spica: "c'mon papa, you don't need to keep smoothing my head." She said as he painfully chuckled while rem sat on her knees beside them with Reinhard and felt leaning on the walls of his cell.

Subaru: "heh, well your making it hard for me not to do so, but if you want to then-"

Spica: "no! I take it back!" She said keeping his hand on her head while Reinhard smile with felt stifling a laugh, as rem looked at the sight with an uncertain pout.

Rem: ...why do I want him to do that with me?

Felt: "looks like you got her wrapped around your finger, and you say your relationship was bad at first." She said smirking.

Subaru: "it was more like one-sided fear... she was attached to me the moment she became spica, I just had to realise she wasn't Rui then..." he said as she gives a slightly sad frown.

Spica: "hearing about who I once was... it still feels awful knowing my actions."

Subaru: "but hey, your spica now and you also even have ways to get me to do things... I'm just glad to have settled our differences and that rem vouched for you so you're not in my position." He said while rem had a thoughtful look.

Spica: "I will continue trying my best to gain proper control of my authority and release everyone's memories! Promise!" She vowed, still impressing everyone at how she wanted to see things through to the end despite her current position.

Reinhard: "Again Subaru... are you sure you don't want our help to get you to a more favourable place? there's another chance to do so soon as there's an event coming up." 

Subaru: "I'm sure, I'm happy you'd all try doing this for me... but I... I-i just can't risk all of your lives for me, I wouldn't bare it if we were caught and... a-and..." he said shaking slightly as his restraints clattered before spica hugs him causing him to calm down.

Rem: "... you know, your witch miasma scent has been growing more with each visit... it reaks along with you." She said annoyed while surprising him.

Subaru: "huh? Wait seriously?!" He said surprised as she nods.

Felt: "another reason as to why he ain't a cultist, why did they even decide to put you here- and why didn't you stop them?" She said annoyed looking to Reinhard as he sweatdrops.

Reinhard: "it was all to sudden then, and with how it was I didn't want to risk hurting anyone." 

Spica: "well, even if that's the case I believe he can do good things despite it, just like I have!" She said smiling as the other two nod in agreement making him give a slight smile.

Subaru: "thanks... what about your opinion rem?" He said as rem blinked at this.

Spica: "cmon mama, I know you have similar thought too!" She said grinning childishly as rem huffed slightly with some thought before she looked to him eye to eye and slightly smiles.

Rem: "well... maybe if you promise and mean it to me that you will, maybe that would help."

Flashback ends:

It was now late in the afternoon as the sun began to go down, as in a forest area where there was a rocky hill that seemed to have multiple cave entrances as some loud unknown noises are heard before large explosion's magic appear over the trees.

On a rock wall near the hill two cultists stood on top firing fire and wind magic at a rapidly approaching Subaru and patrasche who avoided the projectiles, once close enough Subaru placed his feet and patrasche and jumps up while grabbing his whip- using it to direct a cultist arm towards the other as the fire a projectile, killing the other before quickly releasing its hold and uses it's sharp end to cut the same cultists neck as they then fall off.

Subaru then lands on the other side of the wall with patrasche busting through it as some of the debris hit and kill other cultists nearby, as all cultists who seemed preoccupied now noticed them and prepared to fight as Subaru glared down at them with his eyes emitting a transparent amber aura.

Subaru: "Rah!" 

He rushes forward avoiding many attacks along with patrasche as he kicks one off his feat to which patrasche crushes before he then avoids 2 cultists lunging at him with weapons as another fires a large shard ice, causing him to use one as a stepping stone before jumping and using his whip to grab the shard, redirecting it into one of the lunging cultists before using his whip again to bring the dead cultists weapon up to him as he grabs and throws it into the one in the distance while landing- with patrasche then hitting the other a bunch before knocking them to Subaru who uses his whip to throw them into a few others hard.

He was going to continue before noticing some other loud noises and looks to his left to see some cultists trying to fight off a familiar woman of green and white in the distance, and failing by getting killed brutally with air magic.

Subaru: "Zarestia?"

Zarestia: "Come and die you fifthly things!" She yells while cutting a cultist clean in two as their organs and blood spill everywhere, as he then sees patrasche knock away some cultists rushing at them with her and was going to assist before seeing a familiar wolf-man use his fur to split into four before burring the cultists into the ground and cuts off their heads with precision.

Subaru: "Halibel?" He said surprised to see them here as halibel's clones disappear and he looks to Subaru with a calm smile while biting his kiseru.

Halibel: "sup Subaru, good to see you still doing just fine." He said before both avoid two cultist charging at them as patrasche jumps and crushes them.

Subaru: "why are you both here together away from Kararagi?" He said before quickly leaning away as Halibel rushes past him and kills another swiftly.

Halibel: "We have our reasons, that and a certain metal rouge-spirit made it more inevitable." He said before they feel a tremor and look to see that some cultists had closed off a cave entrance.

But shortly after that the rock pillars that closed off the entrance were blown away as a metalic looking figure burst through, holding mutilated cultists in both hands as those that tried enclosing him were killed by this before throwing one of the mutilated bodies into another cultist without effort.

Gilbert: "Fear me inferior witch followers as my rage still increases over 100%! Brace for total ANNIHILATION!!" He said as his eyes then glow red.

Gilbert's upper body then spins around rapidly killing other cultists with the mangled body before releasing it as it splatters on the wall, his upper body then stops as his claw hands then morph into saws as they spin before firing out many small blades as multiple cultists die from them with some of the blades exploding.

Subaru: "Gilbert, of course." He said knowing how loose-cannon Gilbert was personally, as both him and Zarestia start rushing about the place killing more cultists with much brutality.

Halibel: "so, where were you heading?"

Subaru: "was actually gonna go get you all after this, but this works better. I need assistance to get to Pleiades watchtower quickly as possible, I have reason to believe the solution to ending gluttony's effect on the world is really there and that someone's trying to stop the chance." He said as Halibel grew serious.

Halibel: "I see, well you're in luck cause- watch it!" he said as Subaru notices many cultists rushing at them.

Subaru uses his whip to direct a cultist to Halibel who quickly kills them while tripping another who tumbled then towards Subaru- who punched him multiple times hard before giving a kick and keeping his foot on the cultists chest- before a burst of mana erupted from beneath it launching the cultists into away as their splattered on a rock. Patrasche knocked a few other cultists away before they were turned to mush by some wind magic from Zarestia who stopped beside them.

Zarestia: "if it isn't the labelled archbishop of pride. I see still being forgotten hasn't changed your objective." She said annoying him.

Subaru: "Arrogant and murderous as ever... so I've heard you and Gilbert have been meeting more often, care to give details?" He said biting back, making her flustered as Halibel chuckled.

Halibel: "true, ever since your light sphere was retrieved with help from that friend you hold in high regard with his assistance you've both been seen together multiple times since then."

Zarestia: "Quiet mutt! Why should I say anything to you both, I see no reason to." she said before  being Gilbert arrived while turning a cultist to mush beside them as his saws morph to claws.

Gilbert: "A pleasure we meet again Subaru, with you and patrasche's assistance the pace of eviscerating these lower life forms has quickened. Does your advanced metia require some charge?" He said with his eyes back to being its normal silver colour as Subaru gave a nice hum.

Subaru: "No thanks, and it's good to see you all too. let's hurry this-" he said before a very large mabeast in broken chains jumps out from one of the cave entrances and roars at them.

Halibel: "we'll continue our talk after."

Gilbert/zarestia: "I call dibs!" Both say pointing as Gilbert eyes glow red again while morphing his claws into saws.

Subaru: "we'll take it together, Halibel go with patrasche!" He said as Halibel appears on patrasche as they all charge at it in different directions.

Halibel and patrasche avoid a bite attack as patrasche then kicks its head away allowing Halibel to cut both it's eyes blinding it, Zarestia uses this to fire some wind magic that obliterates a left leg and cut off some of its tails, making it stumble before Gilbert makes it fall over by firing small blades at it from the right, also aiming and hitting some loose rocks connected to a big one on the hill loosening it. Subaru uses the chance to hop on some debris they launches himself onto the mabeast, rushing over its body before using his whip to remove the remaining piece of rock before jumping.

The large rock then falls onto the mabeast crushing its body, killing it as Subaru's lands safely on top of it with a small burst of mana as Halibel got of patrasche and went to him as Zarestia and Gilbert did the same.

Halibel: "now, knowing Gilbert and as we are currently free, we'll help you. But in return you'll have to come with us to a party in kararagi that one of my elder tribesmen is having."

Zarestia: "-and though im going for the foot and not the drinks, you'll finally meet the friend I've been talking about as she's also been invited on my behalf, she's bringing someone close to her too!" She said as Subaru already knew who she was talking about, knowing from her descriptions and from Gilbert while getting an idea on who she'd bring with a hum.

Subaru: "Alright, after this I'll see no reason not to." He said as Halibel grins.

Halibel: "well then, interested in storming through a candidate encampment?"

_______

Flashback:

Subaru: "you know, this... this is still taking time getting used to..." he said as he sat cross legged in a place covered in dark clouds and mist as two others were doing the same in front of him, this being satella: the witch of envy, and flugel: the great sage.

Flugel: "understandable, it's not everyday you discover your family is connected to two worlds." He said as Subaru nods slowly before looking to satella.

Subaru: "is... is envy going to take over sooner or later or?"

Satella: "don't worry, she'll be docile. After all, she's in the presence of two people she loves most in the world right now... guess I'm the same." She said looking to flugel blushing as he blushed a bit in return while scratching his cheek.

Subaru: "still... I-I can't believe that your both my ancestors! I thought envy just loved me just because, not over the fact that I'm partly also her descendant!"

Flugel: "well envy can be confusing along with love... it's how life is, you doing well after...?"

Subaru: "it... it still burns in my mind, nothing in prison would hurt me as much as seeing that... s-spica... r-rem... rem I-i...." He said as tears begin coming from his eyes, before the two come over and hug him.

Satella: "Sh... they're with us again, it's alright." She said as he cried into their shoulders.

Flugel: "you'll find a way to get, we'll both find a way to pitch in... I know you'll solve all this, your my descendant after all." He said as Subaru slowly calmed down in their arms while both old lovers had serious looks.

Flugel and satella/envy: even despite how he feels and no wish for revenge, they all will be facing the consequences.

Flashback ends:

On the quickest path to the watchtower somewhere near the border of lugunica's sand dunes late in the night, some magical explosions occur as walking along the path was Subaru, Halibel, Zarestia, Gilbert and patrasche who walked behind them preparing for her long dessert run while Gilbert and Zarestia held groaning and battered mercenary's while many others were down on the ground unconscious behind them.

Halibel: "So again, your name was eaten by gluttony and you were forgotten by everyone with only a few deciding to believe you weren't an archbishop of pride, which is due to the amount of witch Miasma you have. You must have very different feelings to the ones you were once attached with now." He said biting his kiseru while Gilbert and Zarestia throw the mercenary's they held into each other hard without effort, knocking both out as Subaru hums.

Subaru: "It's obvious I would... though I understand their reason is clear, I also can't forgive the actions from those committed towards me. I don't seek revenge and I don't want to kill them, but I will fight them if necessary, and now... they're an obstacle in my way." He said giving a small smirk as Halibel chuckles.

Halibel: "glad to hear it." He said as they then see silhouettes of a group waiting for them in the distance as they then stop.

Gilbert: "I and Zarestia shall go around and clear out the nearby mabeast's in the sand dunes to quicken your journey as suggested, you and Halibel are well enough to escort patrasche without our assistance." He said as the 2 nod.

Subaru: "Right, look after yourselves and try not to bring the destruction back to us." He said as Gilbert nods while Zarestia rolls her eyes, but before they leave Gilbert speaks again.

Gilbert: "Subaru, if in need of quick traversal to wherever you need to go within the tower, use the gear crafted using the manastone flugel crafted. It'll give you access to the corridor of memories and shall quickly get you to the destination you seek." He said gesturing his unique boots.

Subaru: "really? That'll be useful, thanks for the tip Gilbert."

Gilbert: "Gratitude is not needed, I was originally partly created to assist in the watchtower alongside shaula and the Natsuki's... and you have been nice to me." He said with some feel at the last part, tapping one claw of both arms together making Subaru soften and Zarestia a bit fuzzy while Halibel blew some smoke from his kiseru.

Zarestia: c-cute... "Cmon already, we have some insects to butcher!" She said making him quickly look to her.

Gilbert: "Affirmative! We mustn't delay, commencing extermination!"

Zarestia: "hmph, maybe I'll dispose the most of them as you seemed to have cooled off!"

Gilbert: "my insides rapidly burn larger as an inferno, I will purge to the extent my numbers aren't countable!" Both say as the rush off in different directions to go around.

Halibel: "heh, save all that for your fight lovebirds!"

Zarestia: "Shut your mouth mutt!" She faintly shouts back as he chuckles while Subaru gave an amused huff before they continued forward.

The 3 continued onward until they were finally facing the group they had seen and were close enough to recognise them while Subaru looks at them with a serious frown, as the group they were going to face was of mercenary's in the Anastasia camp led by her knight: Julius, who glared at them.

Julius: "Archbishop of pride, this is as far as you go! you are to be detained, sent back to the capital and placed in a more secure confinement under heavy supervision! Surrender and you and your accomplices will not be harmed."

Subaru: "for the last time, I am not the archbishop of pride! Listen, I need to get to the watchtower quickly so I can finally at least start to end this whole mess!" He said firmly.

Julius: "someone like you is not going anywhere near it! Come quietly or else we will use force!" He said as Subaru glared with Halibel getting ready to fight.

Subaru: "I mean it Julius, step aside." He said annoying him due to the fact subaru remembers him while he doesn't know who he is, as he and the mercenary's get ready to fight.

Julius: "fine then. men, detain them!" He orders as they rush at them to which Halibel acts quick and buries half of Julius's body underground before going to knock out multiple mercenary swiftly as Subaru used his whip to help him disarm a few.

This went on for a bit as Julius managed to get himself out of the ground, before a tremor shook the area as most look to see eruptions of magic behind the Anastasia camp group which came from the sand dunes as some debris from it fly towards them, missing everyone except a small one who was about to hit patrasche before Subaru used his whip to grab it and place it in his free hand as Halibel went back to knocking out the mercenary's approaching them both.

Subaru then throws the rock towards the other group as many quickly move to avoids it while Subaru began to move forward, going quicker with each step before disappearing and reappearing above by some mercenary's with an amber flash, shocking them and Julius.

"What?!" One shouts before Subaru redirects the rock he throw hard into the nearest mercenary, knocking them out before he quickly does the same trick again, except he knocks out the next one with a hard kick to the face before doing the same to another.

Julius: "Careful! He's teleporting!" He shouts as he used his magic to slash clean through a tree Subaru had teleported on for a moment before quickly teleporting away from the hit, he and the remaining mercenary's take no chances and begin using their magic against Subaru.

Subaru continues to teleport around a bit, knocking out some mercenary's until he sees the numerous magic and physical projectiles coming towards him as he then begins to rush about the place and rapidly teleports to avoid them until he teleports onto a large ice projectile high in the air as many projectiles approach rapidly.

Subaru: "Enough!" He said before he bursts off with a burst of mana and teleports past it all as they impact, causing a colourful explosion as a very thin and faint amber line that cant be seen with the naked eye descends and stops right within the group.

Subaru then appears by Julius and the remaining fighting force as he spins around hard with his whip having grabbed a blunt Earth projectile, Knocking out the mercenary's with one hard swing hitting each in the head head while knocking Julius away onto the ground with a cut on his cheek as his sword clattered away not far from him.

As Julius came out of his daze the area shook again and a shadow began approaching causing him to look up and see a large mabeast corpse rapidly falling to where he was causing him to be freeze as he couldn't get away in time, before seeing Subaru appear by him and grabs him while using his whip to grab his sword before bursting away with them as the large corpse crashed onto the ground.

Subaru then tosses Julius away from him onto the ground and reals in his whip, catching Julius's sword before throwing it, planting it beside him as he looked to Subaru with surprise.

Julius: "you... y-you saved me...?" He said as Subaru just gave him a serious glaring look.

Subaru: "I'm no cultist, I give a damn about lives. I'll be quick: I believe I've found another way that can help reverse gluttony's authority and it's in an area of Pleiades watchtower which still hasn't been discovered yet, that's why I must head there." He said holstering his whip as Julius's eyes widen at this.

Subaru: "But when this is done don't expect things ever returning to normal, the damage inflicted on me by those including you has been done and how I felt for you all before has now changed. Know that things even after this will never be the same again, Julius juukulius." He said walking away without looking back as Julius looks to before wincing in thought.

Subaru then made his way to Halibel and patrasche, who were now at the border along with Gilbert and Zarestia who had re-joined with them, as many mabeast corpses littered the area.

Gilbert: "many surrounding mabeast's have been neutralised, but the timeframe before more arrive narrows quickly." He said as Subaru got on patrasche.

Zarestia: "you wanted to get there as quick as possible, now's the time to do so!"

Subaru: "Got it, I'll come to you 3 first after I'm done... thank you for this, I mean it." He said giving them one last soft look before he finally rides patrasche through the dunes.

Halibel: "good luck..." he said genuinely wishing him well as the other two silently do the same.

As the two went off into the distance, the 3 soon heard multiple noises rapidly approaching them and look to see another group rapidly approaching them with their weapons drawn, causing Zarestia and Gilbert to get ready whip Halibel calmly blew some smoke from his kiseru.

Zarestia: "looks like we have some more nuisances to deal with, you leaving this to us Halibel?"

Halibel: "never... but we won't be dealing with anything." He said as Julius rushes in front of the three causing some surprise.

"Julius?!"

Julius: "Everyone stop what you're doing and Stand down!" He shouts to them causing the approaching group to be shocked and surprised.

"What?! But Julius th-!"

Julius: "That's an order!... stand down." He said seriously as the group soon slow down and puts away their weapons, he gives a heavy sigh with Gilbert and Zarestia seeming a bit annoyed.

The mercenary's quickly go to check and help those uncouncious while the 3 look to Subaru and patrasche's figures becoming more distant as Julius goes up beside Halibel and joins them.

Halibel: "hey... you can tell Anastasia that cultist base she asked to deal with is taken care of."

Julius: "I see... and you worked alongside two spirits currently known for massive property damage while also assisting a man known to have much witch miasma on him." He said as Halibel shrugs while the other two stayed silent.

Halibel: "well you heard him, he needed to get to that watchtower quickly and nobody here died... minus the mabeasts." He said biting his kiseru.

Julius: "Even so this wasn't needed, you could've convinced him to have done this differently!" He said as Halibel huffs before giving him a side eyed glare.

Halibel: "can you really mean that... when it's deserving and he's trying to do the same thing you all have been doing?" He said as Julius winces and sighs before the four look on.

Julius: "no... and I suppose he's right, whatever most of us were like before with him... it's long gone now."

In lugunica's sand dunes:

Subaru rode patrasche quickly through the desert as he appeared to be caught in his thoughts.

He sees memories of when he became friendly and got close with those at the different candidate camps along with some fond moments.

Subaru's eyes slowly begin to widen.

He sees memories of his time at the Emilia camp and those he had come to meet and become good friends with there, along with fond moments where they were like a family and his moments with Emilia.

Subaru's expression begins to show his true turmoil and pain as his eyes trembled.

He finally sees a very precious memory of rem giving him a beautiful smile as her tears sparkled from the sun shining on her while her hair and outfit flowed in the wind.

Subaru begins to shake and hyperventilate as his eyes tear up before he steels himself in pain.

Subaru: "Stop it, i know I can never fully get that life back. I must keep focused on what needs to be done. Go patrasche!" He shouts as patrasche squeals and begins going even faster towards Pleiades watchtower.

Subaru: "I must find the answer to reverse gluttony's authority and deal with the threat going towards it, for everyone, for me... for her."

Chapter Text

Currently in the Emilia camp at Roswaal's mansion, everything and everyone was going on with their early morning as usual without anything seeming out of place to them. As this went on rem was currently waiting for spica outside her room just having finished up some normal chores and was going to take her to breakfast before hearing a familiar voice.

Ram: "good morning rem, I see you have finished for now." She said approaching her as rem smiles with a nod.

Rem: "good morning sister, Im just waiting for spica to finish getting dressed so I can take her to breakfast." She said as ram hummed.

Ram: "You and her have become very attached... I'm surprised since I heard you used anything related to the witch cult in the past." She said as rem seemed a bit bothered.

Rem: "well, things change and certain experiences change one's outlook... is Beatrice still?" She said as ram nods with a frown.

Ram: "it's almost been a year with the royal selection getting ready for its final fazes, yet she still doesn't move an inch from that bedroom filled with books while still in her unusual state of wanting to leave yet demanding to stay." She said a bit annoyed as rem looks out the window.

Rem: "Stop implying you're a hero already! How can you be with that much miasma?!"

Subaru: "I'm not part of the cult! I hate them especially for what they've done to everyone, me and you!"

Rem: "if so then why not hate us for treating you like one?!"

Subaru: "Because I care about you! I... I care about you and everyone else even if you all  don't remember..."

Rem: "... what if how you feel for us changes? What then?"

Subaru: "... I still won't take revenge."

Rem: "ram... do you think that maybe Subaru might've been telling the truth? About being Emilia's knight and knowing us all?" She said as ram huffs.

Ram: "that archbishop of pride? He didn't look at all suitable to be her knight, but... some things did seem a bit well connected, plus with to how he acted and seemed attached to us there must've been some truth as we might've had your memories back by now... then again the witch cultists we've all met are lunatics." She said having some thought before shrugging without care as rem then grimaced.

Rem recalled having gone with whatever her heart or gut felt back then after some talks with him and got Reinhard to confirm if he was truthful and having done so more than once to fully cement it, but due to how Reinhard was and some other factors... only him, felt, spica and her knew and decided to trust him- each having a different amount of it.

Emilia: "Oh, good morning rem and ram! I have to know, why are you talking about that pride archbishop again?" She said having noticed and heard them while walking down the corridor as both bow to her.

Ram: "good morning miss Emilia, rem just had a thought that maybe he was telling the truth about knowing us along with being your knight and we were discussing on it." She said as Emilia gave a huff and massages her head.

Emilia: "Though a gluttony archbishop's ways to erase others are known as I also experienced it for a short time, you heard from those who could smell witch scent's that the amount of miasma he had was bigger than a regular cultist. Yet he said he was my knight... yes I maybe a BIT naive due to my history, but I'm not stupid to not have precautions and allow an archbishop as my knight of all things!" She said with a childish pout before sighing.

Emilia: "well I have work to get too, maybe we can talk more later! See you two!" She said before walking away ready to start the day as rem frowned.

Ram: "master Roswaal also wishes for my assistance, so I'll also be leaving. I'll see you after sister." she said with a slight bow before leaving as rem gave a silent goodbye as she was deep in thought.

Rem: why...? why do I ache like this...?! why does it hurt harder when others say things like that of him? Especially when I had done before?!

Spica: "*yawns* okay mama, I'm ready... mama?" She said a bit tired before noticing rem giving a pained expression while deep in her thoughts before spica snapped her out of it as she coughs.

Rem: "s-sorry spica, I was just thinking... let's go get you to breakfast, can't continue your day without one after all." She said giving a small yet weary smile as the two hold hands before she leads her to the mansions dining hall.

Spica: "... I miss papa too." She said catching rem off guard as she looks to see spica give a sad smile to her while she looks back forward with an emotionally confused frown.

Rem: do I... feel that way with his absence...?

_______

Flashback:

In his old word and home, Subaru had just come back home after a very long and hard day at school as he was mentally exhausted, with his father: kenichi noticing him as he was doing some reps while his  mother: naoko heard him enter through the door while she was making food.

Kenichi: "hey there champ, how.. was... wow, looks like you were really put through the wringer today." He said becoming concerned after seeing how he was as Subaru dumped his bag and sat at the dinner table, holding his head  with both hands.

Subaru: "uhhhhh..." he moaned in sadness as naoko came over after hearing them and also seeing his state.

Naoko: "Subaru... do you want to talk about it? Mayonnaise isn't good at all if completely soured after all."

Subaru: "ng... you might think the reason is stupid..."

Kenichi: "cmon kid, I'll wrestle ya if you don't~" he said with a grin as Naoko lightly hits his shoulder with a serious look as Subar groans before lifting his head up and leans it against one of his hands.

Subaru: "well aside from how awful it usually is, today it was just... we had a lesson today talking about what and who we could be in the future and... I couldn't come up with anything and stared at my paper like an idiot!" He said clenching his teeth as both parents look to each other then back to him.

Subaru: "I tried to think of something- anything, but knowing how useless I am with almost anything I've tried compared to others I... i-I just froze, just who am i?!"  He said as both gave him a gentle smile.

Kenichi: "Subaru... you're not the first one to  thinks like that you won't be the last, but if you keep moving onwards then you might get your answer." He said as Subaru's eyes tremble as Naoko holds one of his hands.

Naoko: "thing like this take and need time, it might not be now or tomorrow, but you'll find your answer and place.

Subaru: "b-but how will I know if I have then...?" He said as both smile to him.

Kenichi/Naoko: "trust us Subaru... you'll know."

Flashback ends:

Currently within Pleiades watchtower on the taygeta library floor, Subaru was looking about while having his phone out taking some pictures of the place while having safely left patrasche in a safe area on the alcyone floor as this is something he felt needed to be done on his own.

He kept walking on while recalling some moments of when he was in this room the last time, having a serious look and small frown as before continuing on with his search he decided to take some pictures that could help in the future and was also looking to retrieve a certain book that caused much chaos here for him and everyone last time... a certain book of the dead.

Subaru: "just where did you go, I know you aren't on the shelf with the rest... you should still be around- ah, there you are!" He said finally finding it as he picks it up, looking at the sliver and white transparent pattern that decorated the black book a bit before securely putting it away.

Subaru: "Best you stick with me for now, wouldn't want to imagine the consequences if you're read, especially since your texture's similar to a certain someone... even if the consequences are not from envy." He said as he then continued on, going back to the main reason he's here.

Subaru: "now, where would've flugel put his work on the witches and their authority's, he must've had books on how to deal, counteract and reverse them." He said as he looked around a bit more until something caught his attention.

Subaru: "huh?" He said noticing a sinister glowing aura seeping through the library's door cracks nearest to him, quickly opening as through the door he could then see the hall also glowing more the further it went on and somehow seeping most of the light within, with some beastly and unnatural noises coming from there as he quickly goes to it.

Subaru: "that isn't at all normal... this must be it!" He said rushing forward through it as the door closes with the aura once on it slowly fades, while he continues forward without looking back.

Subaru kept rushing onwards as the hall's walls seemed to distort and darken at certain yet random times without much sense to it before he comes across some mabeast as some of the walls were cracked and broken along with there being a large hole that showed the sand dunes, made from the fight with the archbishops of gluttony back when he first came here.

Subaru: "mabeast's? Must've gotten in through the damaged areas of the tower, best deal with them before they become problematic." He said grabbing his whip before using it to wrap around a small mabeast's neck, catching all the mabeast's attention.

He then tightens the hold, snapping the mabeasts neck before he spins and releases the corpse into another as both then fall out through the hole in the tower, he then jumps over a swipe and bite from another two before using the sharp end of his whip to cut their eyes and blind them, then teleporting besides one face and punches him multiple times quickly before giving a kick, then does a mana burst that slams the mabeast into the wall as it collapses on it and kills it, before spinning and doing another which launches the other mabeast through the hole.

He then avoids some swipes as claw marks scratch the ground and walls along with causing some large cracks, teleporting from unavoidable ones before using one teleport to stomp on a mabeasts head, dazing it before using his whip to redirect another lunging at him into the one he was on and jumps off before doing a mana burst that sent both out the hole, then teleporting again and uses his whip to throw another that charge at him into sharp pieces of rubble and then quickly using it again to launch another sharp piece to go right through its head.

He then avoided a few attacks from the remaining mabeast before using his whip to restrain one of its legs, using the distraction to slide beneath it then pulls his whip and makes it fall, he then unwraps his whip and quickly teleports back infront of it, holding the sharp end of his whip and hiving a deep slice to its throat- killing it before he he then continued rushing onwards.

As he continues onwards while dealing with some more mabeasts at times, something then gives him an immediate bad feeling before he then hears some sinister chuckling echo through the hall he was currently in, looking to notice a glowing dark magenta orb fly past him before Positioning itself in front of him as Subaru's pace slowed in surprise.

???: "hehehe... well if it isn't Subaru Natsuki, thou should be honoured to meet mine venerable self~" said a slightly echoing male voice that came from the floating orb.

Subaru: "huh?! Who... wait- you know my name! Who are you?!" He shouts with hostility as the bad feelings he felt along with the voice knowing him, despite gluttony's authority still in effect ment that the threat he had predicted must be this.

???: "thou does not know me?... well this pitiful form does cause confusion, maybe some incentive is needed!" He said as the hall surrounding them began to shift, break and morph while subatu was trying to grasp what was happening.

Subaru: "The hall... no, the whole layouts changing!" He said surprised as he tries to keep his footing while the floor beneath him, only for one change to cause him to trip as his body then gets pulled forward by an unknown force as it flip and spins.

???: "let's see, what will make you grasp things quicker... ah~ how about something with deep familiarity?" He said as the building's and towers that are known to be part of castles begins morphing and rising all around him even above as metal chains then be going sprouting out and latch about the place.

Subaru: "th-this... what the hell is this place?!" He said noticeable disturbed due to the many bad memories that resonated with the sight as he began falling while directing his body to a side of the largest tower near him.

???: "A place to help make things clearer... after all this wouldn't have resonated as much with you today if not for mine venerable self~" he said as Subaru's feet land on the tower, causing him to skid down it. 

Subaru: "What are you talking about?!" He shouts as gravity begins to change with him slowly starting to now take a few steps while still skidding a bit. 

???: "Well if it weren't for a bit of my influence, you wouldn't be as you are... understand now?" He said as Subaru's eyes widen with him slowly gritting his teeth in anger.

Subaru: "you... are the reason how gluttony got my name?!"

???: "thou'd... be correct-" he said only to quickly float away from Subaru lunging at him using invisible providence as his eyes shined a red glow, before swerving past some whip attacks as it then begins floating away quickly leaving a small trail as Subaru bolted after him with a burst of mana.

Subaru goes after the magenta orb as both rush down the tower, going around its cylinder shape due to the constant change of gravitation with the tower itself very slowly spinning with them, trying to strike him at times with his whip only for the orb to swerve around or away from them before Subaru notices many chains begin launching at him as he narrowly leans back, going beneath a chain before jumping and teleporting away from 3 others before landing on one jumping away quickly as another latched onto the chain right where he once stood.

He lands on on a wall nearby as he skids along down it before using his whip to wrap onto a chain attached to it and launch himself away before mana bursting to a hexagon like tower and lands with a roll, soon continuing his pursuit while also avoiding and at times teleporting out of the way of chains that tried to strike him which plant themselves into the tower, this went on for a bit until he starts to skid about the place as he then notices he's now on painted glass.

He continues slipping about a bit until he starts to skate and regains his balance and footing while seeing the glass floor shattering behind him from the chains impacting it, this went on until both approach a large painted glass window of a wall as Subaru speeds up and jumps up high, then teleporting.

Subaru then appears near the magenta orb and tries to hit it, only for the orb to phase through the painted glass causing the hit to land on the glass, breaking it as he crashes through another on the opposite end, disorienting him slightly before he looks about, seeing the painted glass shard's floating around him as gravity seemed to lighten until the shard begin falling quicker as the magenta orb appears, going around his body and making him spin before he comes into his view by flying past his face, appearing to be amused by all that's currently happening.

???: "Haha, thou continue amusing me!" He said before quickly floating away as gravity returns to normal, making him fall.

The glass shards soon begin turning completely dark purple before morphing into large dark purple arms that quickly extend after the orb, to which Subaru notices as he then directs his fall path and lands on them, using them as paths and platforms to quickly continue his way towards his target.

He rushed, jumped and at times used his whip to go from arm to arm in order to approach the glowing magenta orb quicker, but as this continued on the whole area around the two began to distort, shake slightly and crack, with some large purple arms beginning to appear and crush, barge through or slap away multiple large objects around them without issue.

???: "Damnit, they found out my influenced work quicker than expected... appears we'll have to cut this confrontation short unfortunately." He said the arms lead to a top of a wall as both now rushed across it while everything began to distort wildly around them.

Subaru: "I wont let you escape!" He shouts catching up to him as he jumps forward, going to punch him hard.

???: "oh don't worry... we'll meet again very soon as after all, you are the last piece to mine venerable self's re-accession!"

The glowing magenta orb then fades away in an instant as his fist got close enough, hitting nothing while the whole layout around him completely shattered as he now found himself outside the tower by its wall... high in the sky.

Subaru: "Eh?... SHIIIIT!" He shouts as he fell, quickly trying to come up with a way to get out of this situation before noticing a very damaged part with some debris sticking out.

Thinking quickly he mana bursts closer to it before using his whip to wrap around the debris and swings a bit to lessen the impact damage before bursting himself through the broken wall, groaning as he got some injuries and cuts from it as he stands up and stretches a limb or two while taking a small breather.

Subaru: "that was... very unpleasant.... There's no doubt he's the threat that's been bothering my mind, even being the reason as to how gluttony managed to eat my name. I can't leave now until I've also dealt with him along with reversing gluttony's authority." He said looking around to notice he had been forced into a regular hall as he grunts annoyed.

Subaru: "Now I'm uncertain on where to continue my search because of whoever that was... or maybe not."

Recalling a certain tip, Subaru then quickly approaches the nearest door, accumulates some mana in his boots and places his hand on the door's handle... causing a colourful aura to emit around it while glowing slightly, he then opens to reveal a very familiar crystallised corridor that flugel watched over, the corridor of memories.

Subaru: "well... appears I do have a trail to follow." He said with a slight smile before quickly going through as the door closed behind him, the aura and glow disappearing soon after.

_______

Subaru quickly went through the halls of the corridor of memories, focused on his task before some voices are heard as he stops and focuses his hearing.

???: "-told you we should've stayed where we were as those 2 girls told us, now we're lost here!" Said a female voice annoyed.

???2: "yeah, I admit this is my bad for wanting to look around a bit, but it's not everyday something strange like this happens when you go to bed.... You think what the old man said was true?" Said a male voice who sounded upset at the last bit as the Girl gave a sad sigh.

???: "I... I honestly don't know, I just hope he's alright at this point." 

Subaru: there's others here?... "excuse me! Is anyone there?!" He called out as they quickly respond.

???2: "there's someone else here too?! Looks like we got lucky, We're over here!" He shouts back as Subaru quickly goes towards the source.

As he approaches the source he soon sees two adult figures while having some thoughts before getting close enough to recognise them as he then gasps in shock, slowing down to a stop as the two people in front of him were his parents: kenichi and Naoko with their bodies having a glowing aura, while the two adults also gasped in shock at the sight of their missing son.

Subaru: "w-what... dad? Mom?" He said in complete surprise as the two adults begin shedding happy tears as Naoko quickly goes towards him and wraps him in a hug.

Naoko: "Subaru! Y-you're really here! Thank goodness you're alright sweetie, w-we were worried sick about you when you just suddenly disappeared!" She said hugging him tightly as subatu blinks surprised before kenichi joins in.

Kenichi: "y-you have no idea how effected we were loosing you champ... w-we're sorry for not doing more for you back then, but seeing you here and fine has just made our year." He said causing Subaru to think before slowly giving a hug back as he gives a small smile shedding a tear.

Subaru: "I... I-I'm glad to see you both too." He said as they continue hugging for a bit until parting as both parents wiped away their tears with Naoko still shedding some from happiness, both being really happy to see their son after so long as Subaru, though happy was confused by their presence here.

Subaru: "how are you here?... it doesn't make sense, are you alright?" He said with some thought as them both nod.

Kenichi: "we are, more so now seeing you. we're a bit lost on that too, one moment we were getting into bed after... still finding no sign of you, then the next we woke up here confused as hell." He said looking over the hall of memories a bit.

Naoko: "Then surprisingly a very old ancestor of your father just... appeared! Then began telling us a few things before explaining about you, we thought this was a dream and it was just nonsense... but seeing you here and being able to feel and hug you, we're glad it wasn't." She said surprising Subaru.

Subaru: "you both also met flugel? I see... I-I'm sorry for making you worry about me, it makes me feel awful that-"

Naoko: "stop, you were sent to... whatever the world outside this corridor is without any consent, we're just glad to see you're alright." She said with a sad smile as Subaru still gave a bothered frown.

Kenichi: "besides, we'ed probably feel somewhat awful ourselves if you came back now after knowing what's going on with you here... despite how we feel after learning everything and that." He said catching his attention.

Subaru: "hm?" He said before hearing 2 other footsteps approach.

???: "there you both are, we were worried! why didn't you stay where... s-Subaru!" A familiar voice said causing his eyes to widen with faint alarm as he turns to look and sees two very familiar girls that were slightly transparent... rem and Emilia who were surprised to see him as both girls began tearing up.

Subaru: "r-rem?... e-Emilia?-" he said before being cut off by the two hugging him tightly.

Emilia/rem: "WE'RE SO SORRY!!" They both say crying as Subaru was caught off guard.

Rem: "rem is so sorry for hurting her hero again! Sh-she's so sorry for making him consider death because of her harsh words!"

Emilia: "I'm so sorry too, nothing can forgive what I've done and did to you! Even not believing you when having some small proof... I-i really am so childish!" They said as Subaru grimaces at seeing this before slowly hugging them both back with some hesitation.

Subaru: "I don't blame you rem as all memories of you were still in gluttony, you reacted like anyone else would in your position... but even then you still kept me going forward! Emilia... I-i can't fully forgive or forget certain actions, but I understand most as you had no memory of me because of gluttony." He said comforting them as they tighten their grip a bit.

Emilia: "th-thank you Subaru... I-i understand, even more knowing the deeper trauma I had given you, I-I'm so sorry!" She said as his body freezes after hearing that.

Subaru: "wh... what do you mean by that?"

Rem: "we both had suddenly appeared here when flugel was explaining things to Subaru's parents before he noticed us too late... w-we know." She said as his eyes widen as he looks to his parents to see Naoko trying not to cry while kenichi grits his teeth.

Naoko: "he... he told us about satella, about your ability... h-he explained it all." She said as Subaru processes this before beginning to hyperventilate as his body shook, falling to his knees as tears rush out his eyes.

"We're so sorry for you going through all that." They said as his parents join in on the hug.

Hearing this from the 4 people he cares most about, the damn finally broke and he began crying as it echoed for a bit through the crystallised corridor... this went on until Subaru finally calmed down and had the strength to stand up again, wiping his tears as the 4 stop.

Subaru: "... s-sorry you has to see me like that, I-"

Kenichi: "stop apologising for things that don't need any, or else I'll wrestle ya to the ground!" He said as he playfully wrestles Subaru with some tears and a grin while Subaru gave a slight sad chuckle, with the other 3 smiling a bit with teary eyes.

Subaru: "alright I'll try!" He said resisting.

Naoko: "tone it down you two, there are others here with us after all." She said both stop before he looks between his parents and Emilia with rem.

Subaru: "dad, mom... if you know everything and what's happened, do you both feel animosity towards-"

Kenichi: "though we were delighted at first to see races we only heard from myth and fantasy, then angry when we got to know... that and some actions, after some mostly 'calm' talks's with the two and some thinking- with more definitely going to said, we've decided to look past that because of your own feelings on this... that being more doable due to how nice they are." He said as both parents smiled a bit before becoming serious.

Naoko: "but we can't just ignore everything. for rem here we can manage with some small hiccups, Emilia here however... we can't help but feel disappointed at after knowing her impacting decision on your life when forgotten, after all there's a line between death and... becoming a living corpse." She said with some distress as both girls understood, with Emilia showing that she felt extremely awful as Subaru hugs his mother, her doing the same tightly before both part as he sighs.

Subaru: "i understand, I can't change how you both feel about that. so... rem, Emilia, I understand my parents would probably recall what happened here due to their circumstances and that they're blood related, but what about you both?" He said as they sadly frown.

Emilia: "most likely not... we'ed probably forget once we disappear here and not remember anything from here when gluttony is defeated and our memories return, sorry..." she said as Subaru was saddened by that but still felt elevated.

Subaru: "it's fine... it just feels nice to finally vent a bit to others after so long, even more since it's with familiar faces despite things." He said as rem sniffs a bit before giving him a worried look.

Rem: "Subaru... y-your witch miasma is growing, w-will you be alright?" She said as he silently looks to her for a minute and approaches her, before giving a hug that flustered her.

Rem: "e-eh?! Subaru?!" She said while Emilia pouts at the slightly while kenichi smirks at the sight with Naoko giving a small giggle, before subaru lets go and gives smiles to her.

Subaru: "I'll be fine, we'll all be once this ends. after all, when this is over and I've attended that party as promised... there will be many things for me to do." He said as she blinks, blushing a bit confused before he look to his parents.

Subaru: "will you be alright staying here?" He said as both nod.

Kenichi: "with our old ancestor watching over this place, two strong girls and my muscles we'll be just fine, just focus on what you need to do." He said with a thumbs up and wink.

Naoko: "But please... look after yourself and try your best to be safe." She said, both being worried for him along with rem and Emilia as Subaru nods.

Subaru: "I'll come back through here again, promise." He said looking to them all as he begins continuing his way through the corridor again as Emilia calls out to him.

Emilia: "Subaru... again I'm so sorry, for causing you to get hurt like that for so long." She said as Subaru stops with some silence.

Subaru: "... I can never hate you Emilia, but just like my parents have said: some things can't be overlooked and ignored with their impact." He said saddening her as she nods in understanding, before he immediately begins rushing down the corridor towards his destination... having a very troubled look.

Subaru: I'm sorry Emilia, but I most likely can't ever feel or go back to feeling the same for you again after all that's happened... especially after that.

Flashback to a previous loop:

Within the walls of lugunica's royal castle, a bruised, battered and exhausted Subaru was being pulled by his arms by rem and spica, who helped him as the three rush through the halls as he accepted their offer at escaping and be placed in a better environment.

Spica: "cmon papa, miss felt's doing her best to keep the guards at the front occupied. we must hurry and get you out so Reinhard can then detain you to a better place than here!" She said eagerly and quietly as Subaru stifles a pained cough.

Subaru: "s-sorry, injuries aren't helping much... th-thank you all for this, r-really I-"

Rem: "save it, we must make sure get you out first... But don't think this will change my thoughts and feelings  with that scent you have, I'm still going to come over and keep an eye on you." She interrupts annoyed, still fully unsure why she even accepted to do this of all things as Subaru gave a weak smile. 

Subaru: "I-i know... but I wouldn't mind it any other way..."  he said as rem looks to him with thought as spica stifles a giggle.

Spica: "you're really weird at times papa."

The three continued through the halls as he quickly as they were approaching the best spot for him to sneak out, before stoping in panic as they accidentally came across a small group of guards with some members of the Emilia, Crusch and Anastasia camps who were following after Emilia, Julius, Felix and Roswaal, having come here to talk about certain problems as they were in the middle of discussion until both groups came face to face as everyone panicked.

Julius: "sound the alarm, the archbishop of pride is freed!" He said as he and the guards quickly get their weapons out and completely block the path, as two go to do as asked.

Roswaal: "oh, appeeeaars we have a prison break at hand... caused by our oooown." He said stating the obvious with a serious look.

Emilia: "wha- how- rem and spica what have you done?!" She shouts, seeing how they were helping subaru and realising they must've help brake him out as rem thinks quickly.

Rem: "miss Emilia, we can explain our actions-!"

Felix: "that archbishop of pride must've messed with their minds with his authority, let them go you monster!"  He snarls as Subaru tries to reason again.

Subaru: "w-wait! C-calm down I'm not t-the archbishop of pride-" he said before coughing violently as spica quickly goes to him.

Spica: "papa!" She shouts worried and causing surprise.

Emilia: "p-papa?!"

Roswaal: "hoo... thaaat is something of attention." He said interested by this development as the 3 then hear and notice a group of guards approaching from behind and block their other path- trapping them as felt, ram and Al were with them.

Al: "the hell?! How did you get out of prison?!"

"Stay right where you are archbishop of pride! There's nowhere to run!"

Felt: "shit!" She said panicked, seeing that the 3 were caught while those around her thought it was at seeing the archbishop free.

Ram: "rem... sister why are you and spica helping him?!" She said feeling dread from the sight.

Rem: "ram?!" She said with surprise.

Subaru: "p-please listen to me! This is a misunderstanding caused by gluttony-!" 

Julius: "Don't even try! Archbishop of pride you must come quietly and release those two from your authority or there will be consequences!" 

There was a moment of silence as Subaru grits his teeth, frustrated and unsure of what to do before feeling a slight pressure from rem's hold before she lets go of his arm and looks to the group in front seriously.

Rem: "miss Emilia, sister, master Roswaal and everyone else here, believe me when I say spica and I aren't under the control of any authority, the two of us are doing this of our own free will." She said catching everyone off guard by this.

Felix: "what... ferri-chan isn't sure he can believe this!"

Emilia: "rem, even you have said that he had a large amount of witch miasma on him... you even hate witch cultists to a higher degree than us, so how can I be sure?!" She said still feeling betrayed by their action.

Rem: "I know, and I admit also hating him much at first and still mostly do... but, if he were one of them he would've just abandoned me when I had woken up even taking spica knowing who she once was back at vollachia. Yet he didn't do any of this and decided to stay with me, even bringing along spica who he feared at first and look out for both our lives even risking his very own." She said recalling how Subaru still wanted help her despite her attempts to kill him and the 3's time in vollachia.

Rem: "even if he is with the witch cult, then with how he's been acting he would've already given a solution to gluttony's authority. He maybe weird and stinks of witch miasma, along with the fact he's nothing like  a hero despite what he's 'stated'... I say we should try another approach! Try to trust him at least a little!" She said causing surprise as though Subaru still felt some pain from the hero bit, he felt grateful with hope while being reminded of a certain moment. 

Subaru: "r-rem..."

Spica: "I agree with mama! Though I don't remember one bit... I once caused so much harm in the past, maybe even hurting some here but I was given the chance to redeem myself, now I want to help however I can. Even if he is an archbishop he hasn't done anything bad to anyone so please... give him the same chance to prove himself just like I once had too miss Emilia!" She pleaded, staying close to him as Subaru now also felt grateful for her.

Subaru: "s-spica..." he said as Emilia heard her words and began to think them over.

Rosswal: "hmmmm... they do state the truth, buuut he is pride and was in confinement." He said causing Emilia to think even more thoroughly.

Julius: "I'm unsure about this... but they are part of your camp, so it's your call." He said as Emilia ponders while noticing Subaru's face expressing pain.

Subaru: "please..." he begged as Emilia seemed to soften at that, but as this happened felt had noticed one of the guards sneakily preparing to fire an arrow into Subaru's back.

Felt: "oi, the hell do you think your trying?!" She said trying to stop the guard but he knocks her away as ram notices, quickly acting as she bashed past Al.

Al: "watch it!" He said before noticing that she was trying to stop him while other guards tried to hold her, thinking she was attacking the guard as spica turns around and notices this.

Ram: "Don't you dare fire it!" She said as spica eyes widen right as the shot is fired.

Felt: "NO!"

Seeing the arrow fire spica reacted on instinct and quickly throws her side into Subaru, knocking him out the way... causing the arrow to hit her deep in the chest, everyone's eyes widen at this with Subaru and rem looking at the sight in horror as her body fell backwards onto the floor as blood came out her mouth.

Spica: "urgk!"

Subaru/Rem: "SPICA!!!" They shout as they quickly go and kneel down to her, Subaru then held her up to his chest while rem quickly pulled out the arrow.

Spica: "p-papa... M-mama..." she said weakly as both Subaru and rem's eyes begin to water.

Subaru: "Spica! Spica stay with us! Please spica!" He pleads as rem quickly began trying her best to heal her.

Al: "oh shit...!" he said knowing this was bad with felt putting her hands over her mouth in horror.

Ram: "you fool! Do you understand what you've done?!" She said punching the guard and causing other guards to quickly hold her back from further actions, while most others look to the sight in absolute shock as Emilia's eyes trembled.

Fortuna: "e... e-Emilia..."

Emilia: "mother fortuna! MOTHER FORTUNA PLEASE DONT LEAVE ME!!"

Emilia: no... no... nonono...

Julius: "Who gave the order to fire that arrow?!" He said with anger, wanting to know as spica was if not the only one who could restore what's been eaten by gluttony's authority.

"D-did one of our guys do that?!"

"No it must've been pride! He must've used his authority to do it!"

"A kid just got shot! Who gave the order damnit!"  Shouted the guards as many began aiming weapons at the 3 while some others were pointing at each other in confusion and panic, some blindly thinking Subaru had something to do with it while others thought differently.

Roswaal: "oooh, how unfortunate... if she hadn't decided to take the arrow, this might've just beeeeen solved." He said causing rem to clench her fists as they shake, not being able to heal anymore of the damage before standing up and looking to them in rage.

Rem: "Unfortunate?! You bastards! You say that he's a monster when our side just shot an ally and child! If anything you are the monsters here!" She yells in tears of  rage at them as Emilia began visibly shaking from her mind in complete panic at the action, with ice starting to form beneath her.

Pandora: "there, that should deal with them, now Emilia shall-"

*SHINK*

Emilia: "I Trusted you! You liar! YOU MONSTER!!"

Subaru: "rem... I'll hand myself over and give you spica, just get her to Felix." he said as she turns to him with some shock.

Rem: "what?! Your just going to let yourself get put back after we-?!"

Subaru: "Rem if I don't do this then spica will die!!" He said as spica was still dangerously bleeding to death, with her also in a similar panicked mindset for the girl.

Felix: "wait, your turning yourself in- m-miss Emilia?!" He said surprised before noticing ice begin forming more rapidly around a panicked hyperventilating Emilia, with the others also noticing as they begin quickly backing away with rem also managing to notice this.

Subaru: "please rem! she's bleeding out too quickly!" He said fully focused on a dying spica as rem sees this and quickly acts, rushing to them both.

Emilia: "NOOO!!" She shouts as the whole place shined white as glass breaking is heard.

When Subaru comes to it, he sees that he's holding spica and has been pushed through a window... the height from where he's falling is enough to kill him, but at the moment he didn't think a bit about it, as what he saw in front of him caused and made him relive some major trauma as he could only hear his heart beat.

In front of him was the dead form of rem... her body impaled and mangled on the large ice spikes caused by Emilia's panic attack, his eyes trembling as time for him had slowed... causing the image of this freak accident to be permanently be cemented and burned into his mind.

Subaru: " .... ah..... A-ah...... REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEMMMM!!!"

He fell with a dying spica in his arms but right when hitting the ground, spica disappeared from his arms and the whole area around him got engulfed with a dark, misty and cloudy purple. With this he hurriedly buried is legs into his chest and begins crying uncontrollably with his hands on his head... his cries echoing throughout the purple emptiness as 2 transparent dark purple and golden figures slowly soon appeared sitting opposite sides of him.

"Subaru Natsuki... a young boy... our descendant... brought unwillingly to this world... to help, heal, protect and fulfil what we could not finish.... now everything has changed! Every traumatic action done, every pain you've brought upon him, EVERYTHING! None will be overlooked, nothing can prevent the consequences from approaching even if he does return to help... not even the dragon tablet shall assist this development."- flugel: the great sage & satella: the witch of envy.

Chapter Text

After rushing through the corridor a bit more, Subaru finally arrives at a door which he inspects a bit before opening it and goes through, entering an office-like room with 2 floors filled with some equipment and ore's about, shelves with books that haven't seamed to have been touched for a long while, and finally a large crescent shaped desk with a fancy yet comfy looking seat on wheels, taking in the sight while noticing the door had closed behind him and returned to its normal appearance.

Subaru: "so it did take me to where I wished to go in the watchtower, this place is most definitely a hidden area here... nothing in this room seems to have been touched for years, even the floor is picking up dust." He said swiping some dust off and object while taking a few steps forward, also causing some dust to rise from the ground, wondering which part of Pleiades watchtower he was now currently in.

Subaru: "the information on how to undo gluttony's authority might just be in here... best start looking about quickly, can't waste time." He said as he pulls his phone out.

Subaru then began to look about while taking some pictures at times for future help just in case, he continues looking about while his eyes notice some of the equipment and objects with surprise as they reminded him of certain things in his world, including small open area having a big empty platform that had a few metalic looking limbs on the wall, with some contraptions placed to the left while on the right was a long large table with many certain tools/instruments placed along it's top and some embedded levers and buttons.

Subaru: "sure seems like flugel's handiwork alright, the whole place just screams his craft... he even made an engine." He said noticing a few objects that he could recognise as old looking engines for vehicles in his old world with surprise.

He kept looking about, noting some objects or things that caught his interest before finally noticing a more decorated shelf on the first floor that wasn't connected like all other shelves against the walls at the bottom.

Subaru: "these books must definitely have importance if placed here, only makes sense... wait-" he said quickly as a certain word on a stack of 9 books put close together caught his attention before he gasps.

Unlike the other books on that shelf those 9 books were placed close together because they all had something in common: a sin: envy, pride, wrath, sloth, lust, greed, melancholy, vainglory, and finally... gluttony, he had found it.

Subaru: "those books, each of them must know everything related to the witches and the archbishops authority's- seems flugel also knew much about hector and Pandora than what's known today... finally... finally this can end." He said putting his phone away as he goes to grab the gluttony book, only for some kind of transparent barrier to prevent him for reaching it.

Subaru: "what?!" He said as he tries to reach for some other books only to get the same result, before repeatedly trying to grab the gluttony book only to fail with his hand and body being repelled.

Subaru: "no, nonononono NO!" He said becoming more desperate as he then bangs on the barrier, only for it to have no effect as he falls to his knees.

Subaru: "no... not when I'm finally so close..." he said gritting his teeth as there was a moment of silence, before another voice was heard.

???: "hm, it appears you never catch a break from how we've met each time so far." Said a familiar voice to him as Subaru turns around to see a transparent figure of flugel, who looked a bit identical to him with some differences.

Subaru: "f... flugel?" He said a bit surprised as flugel nods with a smile.

Flugel: "it's me young Subaru, I suppose you want some answers and an explanation... Come, walk with me." He gestured as Subaru soon stood up and begins walking alongside flugels spirit as both start going up the stairs.

Flugel: "first off: welcome to my personal office, this very room was where many of the things here and out in this world you've come to know well about began. What do you think?" He said surprising him.

Subaru: "I was already a bit amazed when seeing what was around in here, but now knowing that it's... it's incredible." He said as flugel chuckles.

Flugel: "appreciate the compliment, though not everything I've done and have come to create was... exactly the best for everyone, this place holds a special meaning to me... even more so with where it's currently located beside to this day." He said solemnly, confusing Subaru as they reached the top of the stairs.

Subaru: "what do you mean?"

Flugel: "see for yourself." He gestured to a small window the reached both ends of the wall, as Subaru goes to look out of it before backing away with an alarmed gasp.

Subaru: "th-that's-!"

Flugel: "it is indeed the witch of envy herself... satella."

Outside flugels personal office was the sealed resting place of satella: the witch of envy herself, as her tomb was surrounded by fauna though there was a large, visible and potent dark purple mist that flowed throughout the place and covered the whole area, even crawling up parts of the room.

Flugel: "our exact location in Pleiades tower currently is underground, sealed away behind a certain set of seven doors... you already managed to get through 3 a while back if I recall, but now you could probably go through all 7 with all your effort." He said as Subaru remembers.

Subaru: "right, I only got through 3 before getting teleported back with shaula then preventing me from trying again, though this does explain why the miasma increased with each opened door... but why hasn't her miasma already made me insane like it once had?" He said recalling a certain... very bad loop.

Flugel: "well I was once the great sage so obviously I had created precautions that prevent it from effecting things in this very room... but, your very own miasma has made you more immune to its various effects overtime." He said inspecting him slightly as Subaru becomes serious.

Subaru: "even so, I can't risk it and stay here for long... before we get to the main point, I just want to know: why did you tell them? I don't mind it at all, I understand my parents while Emilia and rem's memories formed from the corridor won't remember anything from in there plus envy can't do much there... but why?" He said as flugel scratched his head with a sweatdrop.

Flugel: "ah, well with your parents spirits having been pulled into the corridor unwillingly and seeing they weren't exactly... mentally well from your sudden disappearance, I decided it was the least I could do and explain to them what's been happening with you, those two girls however... I also did not bring or was expecting them. Seems I got a lot of work to do when this is all over... so many things to look over with Od, or did they bring them?" he said with an annoyed and thoughtful sigh as Subaru felt more awful, now knowing more on how badly his parents were suffering from him suddenly going missing.

Subaru: "I see... now, what was that just back there? Why was there a barrier that didn't allow me to get a hold of the book about gluttony that could help finally end all this?!" He demanded as flugel becomes serious.

Flugel: "quite simple really: I created the barrier that shelf has so it can activate and protect the very specific and important books it holds from any person the tower deems as a major threat that's currently in its vicinity." He said catching his attention as he thinks before quickly coming to a conclusion.

Subaru: "that glowing magenta orb... mabeasts are natural around this place and satella's spirit is supposed to be sealed within here, it must be the reason for this!" He said with some anger.

Flugel: "even I must say that spirit has been an annoyance to deal with... I have to help with Od in making sure the corridor of memories is properly maintained and satella can only do so much as she has to constantly keep envy in check. But the tower also senses another threat... a familiar one at that." He said catching his attention again before he grunts annoyed.

Subaru: "of course... so what if it's a returning threat, whoever they are along with that glowing magenta sphere won't remain here for long, it doesn't matter if they die or leave I am finishing what I set out to do here no matter what." He said clutching his fist as his eyes gave a slight red glow before he turns to leave.

Flugel: "just remember to be careful and keep your guard up Subaru... those two aren't just ordinary people." He said as Subaru gave a huff, knowing that flugel and satella already got an idea on who they were and weren't revealing a thing until he himself knows who they are.

Subaru: "thanks for the info, but I already concluded that... now I must go deal with what's prolonging this." He said as he leaves, with flugel looking to him leaving before looking back to satella's tomb and gives a sad yet hopeful smile.

Flugel: "keep going strong for a bit longer dear... I believe the time where you can finally rest without worry is approaching, I think you can too."

Back within the corridor of memories:

Subaru was now making his way back through the corridor of memories, his mind focused on dealing with the two lurking threats within Pleiades watchtower As he continued through the crystallised corridor before meeting up with his parents, Emilia and rem who had been making use of their time stuck here talking to each other before seeing Subaru.

Naoko: "subaru, you came back slightly earlier than we thought..."

Kenichi: "He was a runner back when he was home with us dear, makes sense he'd move about a bit quicker than others would." He said teasingly causing her to lightly punch him a bit flustered as he chuckles.

Emilia: "well, were you able to find and get what you were after?" She said as he frowns.

Subaru: "not exactly... though I did find it, two threats are currently in the watchtower's vicinity and that prevented me on getting what can help finally solve this, I've already met one but I'm still unclear on the other." He said as they frown slightly.

Naoko: "well, you make sure to look after yourself as you deal with them you hear?" She said as although both parents were worried sick for him, they also knew they couldn't hold him back so the best thing to do is to cheer him on.

Subaru: "I will, wouldn't want to make you all worry more than you already are after all." He said as they both smile with Emilia and rem also giving a smile at their interaction before rem caught a certain scent.

Rem: "look out!" 

The glowing magenta orb appears once again phasing through the ceiling as a purple arm tried to grab it before being pushed out of the corridor, as the family dodges the orb with it going through between them until stopping in front of them all as both parents were panicked.

Subaru: "stay behind us!" He said as he stands in front of his parents with Emilia and rem at his sides, staring down the intruder.

???: "ugh! Why doesn't envy acknowledge my presence and try to- oh... so we meet once again~" he said frustrated at first before noticing the group and appears confident.

Subaru: "you again... what's your deal with me? who even are you?!" He said angrily as the glowing magenta orb chuckles sinisterly.

???: "oh? well, I do suppose all thou here should finally learn the identity of mine venerable self... bow before me as I am true royalty fit for a throne: stride vollachia!" He states causing the 3's eyes to widen, as images of his true appearance reflect off the crystallised walls along with showing some of the atrocities he's committed.

Subaru: "stride vollachia? You mean the same one responsible for terrorising lugunica 4 decades ago?!" He said having learned a bit about it from Wilhelm and a few others.

Rem: "you were the last archbishop of pride!" She shouts with venom.

Emilia: "impossible, th-there's no way- you and your wife were eaten by valgren then reduced to ash along with it by volcanica! you shouldn't be here!"

Stride: "oh but I am! And while thou fools thought that pathetic weakling was pride, mine venerable self was preparing despite my authority being lost... now that all the parts are gathered as I've foreseen'd, I must only wait a little longer and my conquest of lugunica will soon begin once again!" He states eagerly as Subaru growls with his eyes giving a red glow.

Subaru: "there will be no conquest... both you and whoever else is within this watchtower won't be leaving and I am going to accomplish what I came here to do!" He states back as stride laughs this off.

Stride: "thou does find ways to amuse me, but those who are weak can never compare to those powerful... thus said I must bid farewell for now, but don't fret- we'll meet again Unknown one." He said as his soul quickly floats out of sight as Subaru's fists clenched.

Kenichi: "the vibes that guy gave were definitely off putting... you alright there son?" He said as everyone soon noticed he was now shaking as he gave a growl.

Subaru: "he's right about one thing: we will meet again, and I'll make sure that this time his soul is permanently extinguished into smouldering ash with nothing left to come back from!" He said angrily with his eyes giving a bright red glow, causing much unease.

Emilia: "Subaru, I understand your angry but-"

Subaru: "what is there to understand?! That bastard is the reason I went through hell this past year! The reason why I was forgotten to suffer! The very same reason you and many others thought I was who he IS!" He shouts angrily looking to her as she takes a step back in fear as all were getting scared by this as rem could smell his witch miasma getting denser.

Naoko: "Subaru..." she said as both parents felt pain from seeing their son hurting like this.

Rem: "No! Please stop Subaru, it breaks Rem's heart to see you like this...!" she said quickly coming over and grabbing both his hands with some tears.

Subaru: "rem?" He said with surprise with the other 3 expressing the same.

Rem: "it hurts rem to see you so filled with anger and vengeance like her heart once fully was, that isn't who her Subaru is!... do you know why I fell in love with you? It's because even when I was being hateful and hurtful towards you, you were still kind and giving- even going so far just to save me!" She said as the red glow in Subaru's eyes slowly fades along with his anger as he blinks, caught off by that.

Rem: "so I don't want you to become like me, I want you to become the best Subaru Natsuki you can be, with happiness and no regrets." She said giving a kind and gentle smile.

Both parents smiled at the sight while Emilia also gave one of her own, though appearing somewhat saddened yet understanding as Subaru appeared to not know how to respond at this... before gently firming his grip in her hands as his expression softens.

Subaru: "the light... it never seems to leave you despite it all, does it?" He said quietly as rem tilts her head before he gives a small smile.

Subaru: "back then all I did was take, even making you terribly ache... I may have given a bit, but there's still very much more I need to give you after this... the answer you deserved from me at that moment..." he said faintly blushing as Rem's eyes widen at the implication.

Right after saying that Subaru gives a Quick Look to them all while expressing some hesitation before quickly letting go and rushes away, with rem reaching out to him silently... before bringing her arm back as the 4 watch him fade into the distance.

_______

Coming out of the corridor of memories once again, subaru now finds himself on the Asterope floor as the door behind him once again returns to normal before he stops and blinks... then starts looking around to his confusion throughout the large empty room, wandering why he was brought here as nothing of importance was here... or was there?

Subaru: "why did the corridor lead me here? this room is just an open space... unless there's something more to it... hm?" He said before spotting a mabeast and gets on guard... before noticing it's body was fully on the ground and wasn't even moving an inch.

Subaru: "... it's not reacting one bit?" He said going closer doing some small waves and finger clicks, as the mabeast still doesn't respond to anything before noticing many other mabeasts like this one, scattered and hidden in the shadows with each being as unresponsive just like the one he was with.

Subaru: "what happened to all these mabeast's?... somethings wrong." He said with confusion before growing concerned, the lamps then flicker with him noticing something quickly flash past one and go back into the dark shadows in hiding.

Subaru then gets on guard and alert as he looks around a bit, some of the lights flicker a bit more as glimpses of something is seen while Subaru slowly got his whip out, before hearing something lunge at him from behind as he turns and wraps his whip around the figures arm before redirecting them away from him... causing them to tumble a bit before landing on their feet with an annoyed grunt as Subaru soon recognises them with anger.

Subaru: "you!" He said recognising the figure as roy alphard, who's figure became clearer to see now being in the light.

Roy: "ah, so it is you again! A pleasure to now properly meet you, I can recall the taste of when your name was eaten by one of us, it was very interesting I must say~!"

Subaru: "how are you here?! You should still be sealed and in prison!"

Roy: "well, eating your own name does have its many uses... ohhh, that was definitely the weirdest taste I had ever gotten~" He said causing Subaru to grunt, realising what he had done.

Roy: "but its interesting that you still remember me... heh, Rui was right when she said the taste of your memories will be something to remember~!" He said licking his lips while bringing his daggers out.

Subaru: "her name is spica and she's her own person now, she is nothing like you and regrets who she once was along with her actions!" He said disappointing and disgusting him.

Roy: "blech! Now her taste will sower... oh well, I'll just savour your memories instead~!" He said rushing at him at high speed as Subaru avoids a slash that cracks the floor beneath them before using his whip to make Roy quickly back off.

Subaru then begins attacking with his whip while also trying to grab some part of Roy to which he quickly avoids with some slight cuts because of the whips sharp edge, until Roy ducks beneath a swipe and and goes to attack to which Subaru narrowly avoids the swipes along with a lick as he brought his whip back, grabbing beneath the sharp end and delivering a cut to Roy's cheek to which he grunts annoyed as he spins, giving a slight cuts on Subaru's right hand.

Subaru then does a small mana burst to make some distance while unbalancing Roy, making him stagger before using his whip to get a hold of his arm before swinging him across the ground, up at the ceiling and right into a wall, causing some dust as he takes a breather before hearing Roy chuckle.

Roy: "big mistake~!" He said quickly rushing at him before punching his left arm that blocked, breaking it and making him tumble away along with some cuts on his legs before he quickly gets back up, avoiding some projectiles as Roy comes right at him in his weakened state.

Subaru: "damnit, I'm not letting you take anything else!" 

Subaru then swings his whip and wraps it around his left arm, gabbing the part beneath the blade before quickly fastening it and throws the handle to his mouth, biting hard and using the pressure to move his left arm with much pain as Roy soon reaches him as he avoids a lick and Roy avoids getting his eye cut though some of his hair was lost, both passing each other before both turn, rush back and both hit the others back hand of their fist- Subaru using his broken arm as he grunts from the pain while this caused a small burst of wind.

The two then begin swiping and punching each other at a fast pace with Subaru mostly evading slashes, punches and licks, only hitting when it was right and making sure to keep his footing while Roy continued his onslaught on him, not relenting as he just needed one good opening and Subaru's memories were his while causing damage to the surrounding area- leaving some slashes and cracks while some debris fall from the ceiling, this went on as the two moved about with parts of the area cracking until Roy got an idea as he grins devilishly.

Roy: "Subaru correct? Since you'll probably be eaten I suppose I'll let you in on a little secret~ with our 'shared' stomachs due to gluttony's authority, when one of us used to eat someone's memory we each also get to see their whole lives till then, even more clearly if their name's also eaten~" He said causing Subaru to grunt as he avoids some attacks, moving about before clashing his whips blade against Roy's daggers.

Roy: "it's fuzzy but... you had many who cared about you right?~ wonder how it felt hearing them say who YOU were after being forgotten... hehe, must've hurt more than when hearing about someone else being forgotten, oh! like that time~" he said blocking some hits before Subaru quickly avoids his licks and other attacks with more narrowed eyes in irritation.

Roy: "who was that girl which lye fully ate- ah, an oni called rem~ the last thing she said before she got eaten was that her 'hero' would defeat him and greed he was with while using her 'best' effort to stop him... oh how pathetic her sweet taste was~" He said grinning without any empathy.

Subaru's face hardened at the comment before grunting loudly as he threw a hard punch, Roy used this as he ducks and opens his mouth wide with his going quickly extending out towards Subaru, but before he could even get close enough Subaru does a mana burst with one of his legs that then knee Roy in the chin and shutting his mouth and biting his tongue hard as he was launched back while Subaru did a flip, his daggers clattering on the ground as he got up grunting and whining in pain.

Roy: "agh! You bastard! My tongue! Ngh!" He yells as he spat out spit and much blood with his tongue bleeding before looking back to his opponent, his face soon starting to sweat in fear as he could faintly see a purple red eyed figure behind Subaru as his eyes gave off an amber glow.

Subaru: "I was irritated enough by you, but now with what you just said- especially about her... I'm done with your nonsense." He said before bitting hard on his whip again and quickly teleports surprising Roy.

Roy: "w-what the-?!" He said before looking to his right and sees Subaru slightly in the air staring him down as his eyes widen, before he was kicked hard in the face as he's knocked away.

Subaru's then teleports again as Roy got his footing before his legs were swiped as he falls before noticing Subaru by him as he kicks Roy again, then uses his invisible providence to hit him hard up into the air and teleports again to the height he'll stop at before delivering two punches and a kick, which launches Roy away again as he then teleports and uses invisible providence once again to grab, slam and scrape Roy's body across the wall before letting go as Roy tumbles in pain.

Subaru then appears by him and does a mana burst, landing on his body right after and uses the momentum to scrape roy across the floor as blood began to come from him, he then teleports in front of him and kicks his head up into the air before teleporting again to where he'll be at next and hits him, before teleporting again to another position around Roy and giving another hit, then doing the same thing again and again.

while doing this Roy's body rose up slightly from each hit taken until Subaru grabs him by the back of his neck and uses a mana burst to launch them both into the ground, causing a crater with Roy taking most of the impact as his body tumbled away from the force with many injuries along with fractured and broken bones, he then tried to move before feeing something wrapped around his leg as he looks back to see Subaru staring him down with glowing amber eyes, having used his whip with his main arm.

Subaru: "don't even try..." he states as Roy began to fully see how much miasma he emitted along with some certain faint 'Visions', which caused him to become terrified.

Roy: "y-you... m-monster! Stay away- stay the hell away!" He shouts in panic, trying to crawl away as Subaru dragged him towards him.

Subaru: "you will spit out everyone's names and memories that i know along with the others you've taken! If not I'll make sure that you won't get to someone else." He states, not taking chances with him.

Roy: "fiend! Monster! H-help! Please help me-!"

Subaru: "you say she was pathetic, yet you cry for help at me when she faced your brother and regulus without fear! You're despicable-" He said before being knocked away by a magenta coloured mist limb, with the whip's hold on Roy's leg loosening.

Stride: "thou's business is with me, weakling." He said with his soul appearing from above as Roy was surprised by this before feeling the ground distort beneath him, as magenta chains sprout from the ground and wrap around his body.

Roy: "w-what the hell?! Let me go or I'll eat-" he said before a magenta limb stuffed itself down his mouth, causing his eyes to widen as he quickly began choking very violently.

Stride: "though it will take time, I will recover my proper authority but for now yours will suffice despite my disgust with it... your body however, It'll be put to very good use with some royal touch." He said eagerly with confidence as Subaru does an injured grunt while his body was on the ground.

Subaru: "n-ngh!... f-for being the archbishop of pride, y-you sure use a lot of underhanded tactics..." He said angrily looking up to them in pain.

Stride: "Tch! Thou think It's my preference? Though I'm not so fond of the tactic it is the only one I can currently use to perfection... but as long I stand above all in the end, I see no mind in taking achievements of thou pathetic as my own." He said with some annoyance before sounding confident as Subaru grunts.

Subaru: "d-damn you! I'm not down-"

Stride: "mine venerable self's time cannot be wasted as the time for my return has arrived... so I am, but I'll leave thou with a parting gift." He said removing the magenta limb as Roy threw up a bit with blood, causing all the mabeast he had eaten in the room to reawaken as they all soon notice them and approached.

Stride: "if thou survives this, mine venerable self shall personally finish this... see that as an honour weakling. now, to my re-accession!" He said as he left with Roy in his captivity, as both phase through the distorted ground which soon solidified back to normal.

The mabeast's soon surround Subaru as he grunts in frustration while slowly getting to his feet in much pain, using the strength he has left as he readies his whip while gritting his teeth, ready for what he though was going to happen once again before they all heard something burst into the room as patrasche then appears by crushing one of the mabeast's skulls under her foot with a squeal before arriving at Subaru.

Subaru: "atta girl patrasche! Now go!" He shout's quickly throwing himself onto her as patrasche speeds away through the room and up the watchtower, the mabeast's try going after them but quickly loose sight of the two.

_______

Straight after that patrasche had taken Subaru back to where he had safely left her on the alcyone floor, as he was now almost fully healed by the spirit that inhabited the floor which always helped to heal others while petting patrasche.

Subaru: "thanks for the save patrasche... that was a close call." He said as patrasche enjoyed his pets before the spirit finally fully healed him as he moved his left arm a bit and nods.

Subaru: "all healed, now I must go after stride and stop-" he said  before cutting himself off as he notices dark clouds beginning to form above the tower outside the window beside them.

Subaru: "he's started... remain here patrasche unless something happens, this is something i must finish myself. Stay safe." He said petting her again as she gives a nod.

Subaru then quickly goes to the nearest door and once again gathers mana with his boots before placing his hand on the doorframe, as the door then glows with aura appearing around it before he opens it and enters the corridor of memories one more time.

In the corridor of memories:

Subaru quickly goes through the corridor while noticing the normal bright light of the corridor began to dim a bit further on, he soon finds his parents, rem and Emilia with them also quickly noticing him with some concern as he slows down and stops by them them.

Rem: "Subaru! The light in the corridor up ahead began dimming all of a sudden, what's happened?" She said as Subaru looked serious.

Subaru: "I found the other threat: it was Roy, he ate his own name once he reawakened and used it to escape his prison... stride then took advantage of when we were both at our weakest, taking him captive as I barely escaped some mabeasts thanks to patrasche. He's going to use his body and his authority to bring himself back... the corridor's helping me find him." He said with a frown surprising and concerning them.

Naoko: "getting to know the lengths people normally go here along with what they do is... terrifying at times to simply put it." She said as kenichi hummed to that.

Emilia: "so... you're now going to face down stride, even without his pride authority he's still very dangerous Subaru...we're all worried for you." She said with rem nodding while both parents look to them as Subaru's expression softens.

Subaru: "I know it's very risky and absolutely dangerous, but stride must be dealt with now or else he'll make many suffer and die once again... it's what I've grown used at doing, even being good at it." He said with a confident smile, making them all give small smiles of their own before he grabs both hands of Emilia and rem.

Subaru: "but before that... even if I'll say this again to the both of you out there, I still feel like I need to make my feelings clear now here." He said as everyone listened as he took a breath.

Subaru: "rem... I can't even begin to say how much you mean to me, both the past you and the current you. Despite our bad moments, both you's still managed to keep me moving forward and guide me to this point... and my feelings for you, they have grown so immensely I really can't describe them." He said looking to her and giving a soft small smile.

Rem: "s-Subaru..." she said blushing before he looks to Emilia with a saddened look.

Subaru: "Emilia, i... I-I'm sorry, but after everything that's happened throughout this past year and... your choice then, the feelings I once had with you like many others have changed. Even though I still and will always care much about you... I-i can't feel the same as I once had with you, with the same going for others after everything. Forgive me." He said with some pain as she gave a sad smile.

Emilia: "it's alright Subaru, I... I-i understand, maybe if things were different then you'd still have those feelings for me- but it only makes sense after everything. All I ask is that you continue looking after all of us... and take good care of her just as you would've done with me." She said giving a sad smile as Subaru nods doing the same.

Subaru: "I will, I promise." He said looking back to rem who blushed with a happy smile before both girls began to slowly fade to their surprise.

Emilia: "appears we're finally returning back into being memories again... good luck, Subaru." She said wishing him luck.

Subaru: "thanks Emilia, it means a lot hearing that... I'll come find you as soon I've settled the things I have after this, I swear." He said looking to rem who smiles with some tears.

Rem: "I'll be waiting for you then... my Subaru." 

Both girls then hug him tightly as he hugs them both back, with his parents smiling at the sight of how their son has grown and matured as Emilia and rem fully fade back into the corridor. Subaru was about to go talk with his parents before hearing a gasp from Naoko and a startled sound from kenichi, quickly looking to them wide eyed and concerned before noticing what they were looking at and goes to inspect one of their hands... seeing that both were beginning to become transparent.

Subaru: "your hands, what's happening?" He said with much concern.

Kenichi: "... seems like the two of us are finally waking up... soon we'll be back in our home in Japan." He said with both parents being very saddened as Subaru stiffens at that.

Subaru: "... I can make a quick stop before this-"

Kenichi: "Subaru-"

Subaru: "- go talk with flugel or maybe even satella, find a way to-!"

Naoko: "Subaru! if our spirits stay here then our bodies will suffer, besides... you must go stop that awful man." She said tearing up, as both parents know what needed to be done as Subaru's expression showed anguish.

Subaru: "but I can't just be separated from you both so suddenly again! Not when we just... Y-you'll both just continue to suffer even more...!" he said before both parents hug him.

Kenichi: "if this happened, then there's a chance we'll meet again... now you must go and finish this, but just to make sure you know-"

Both: "we're proud of you... son." They say together causing him to freeze for a moment and give a slight pained shaky huff, before letting him go in tears in their eyes as Subaru slowly watches them fade with sadness as he tears up.

Subaru: "even if I do find a way back or not, please... live well for me!" He states to them while trying his best to smile.

Kenichi and naoko's eyes widen at this before both smile and nod With more tears running down their faces as Subaru watches them fade, his fists clenching and shaking with his face trying not to scrunch up before he finally turns away as they fully disappear and runs through the corridor towards his destination, clear on what he must do as many tears still roll down his face while the corridor makes them sparkle when each one drops to the crystallised ground.

Subaru: "I will not let any of them down, this hell for everyone has gone on long enough... stride, all this ends today."

Meanwhile, back in Japan:

On a Japanese double bed, kenichi and Naoko slowly woke up as they then sit up and look to each other with him having some tears while she had a river of them flowing down her cheeks.

Naoko: "... did you-?"

Kenichi: "yeah... I-it really was him..." they say before both hug and cry for a bit.

Both: we promise... we'll start properly living again, for you Subaru.

Chapter Text

After running for a few minutes through the corridor of memories until he notices that he should've arrived at a manifested door by now and slows down, making him confused until recalling his and stride's first encounter.

Subaru: "right, he must be in... that warped up place, that pocket dimension of sorts. That said, how do I..." he said to himself before stiffening slightly recalling how his... experience in vollachia was.

Subaru: "stride grew up in vollachia, from what I know it wasn't exactly great... maybe..." he said as many memories that he didn't like one bit begin popping up in his mind, making him give a very bothered huff and takes a deep breath.

Subaru: "not sure if this'll work... but worth a shot." He said readying himself to face the soul of a cultist that terrorised many and now him suffer, before bursting forward and begins running, his speed quickening.

As this happens he begins to recall memories he kept elsewhere as the corridor begins to distort and alter at that with him now skating on crystallised ice that formed beneath him as the walls begin showing his... many deaths, the more he continued forward disturbing sounds and noises were heard along with screams as his eyes emit a surging amber glow, with him then seeing a crack form in the distance.

In an area filled with castle towers, walls, buildings and chains about the place in the sky or on the ground with some visible dark clouds, a crack then appears before it shatters open as Subaru bursts through it, leaving a frozen opening with it slowly closing up after him as some ice shards and snow follow him with the snow covering some buildings and the shards shattering on impact... him once again entering a place that reminds him of many bad memories.

He falls for a bit until landing with a small mana burst and soon skids a little due to the wall he landed on being tilted before coming to a stop by placing a foot on a small pole, stopping himself and ground his footing. He then looks up and is face to face with the soul of stride, while behind the glowing magenta orb in the air was the chained up and unmoving body of Roy as dark purple/magenta mass was covering his body as his veins bulged grotesquely.

Stride: "- just a bit more and then everything will be as- hm? Why suddenly the ice and snow- ah! So thou have survived..." he said finally noticing Subaru as he stared back at him standing tall.

Subaru: "well this isn't the first or last time I've surprised those like you by doing so." He said as stride hums plainly.

Stride: "well I did suppose this would be the case for the unknown one, but as promised mine venerable self shall personally deal with thou as stated, so be honoured weakling." He said as Subaru stayed serious despite still being confused at the unknown bit and gave a glare of calm anger.

Subaru: "I still have obligations and promises to keep, so the one who will be dealt with right here is you." He said making stride laugh.

Stride: "tell me, why still do so after everything? Is it not deserving for them all to perish? maybe even by the hands of thou himself?" He said as Subaru didn't budge.

Subaru: "i understand the reason for their actions, but that doesn't mean I ignore or forgive them... even so though not completely, there's still a chance for us to rectify. I actually care, and I will never listen to lowlifes like you who don't!" He states causing silence.

.

.

.

Stride: "... this charade and thou's use has long arrived at its end weakling, now watch and die in awe as finally I am-" he said visibly annoyed by that comment before his soul enters Roy's body.

Roy's body began convulsing before letting out a distorted yell as he was completely consumed by the purple/magenta mass soon after as Subaru tries not to be thrown back by the pressure caused, it then morphs into a taller figure before bursting open to reveal a fully revived stride smirking widely as magenta coloured mass formed grotesque-looking wing's behind him along with making miasma rings on his fingers as most of the miasma chains break off with a few staying on his body. 

Stride: "-REBORN~!!" He shouts grinning with triumph.

Stride then stretches an arm out at Subaru, causing some magenta coloured limbs and chains to manifest and launches them at Subaru to which he narrowly avoids before using his whip to redirect a limb and chain, mana bursting forward quickly after and then tries to strike him with his whip as stride fly's back, avoiding it before Subaru runs after him.

Subaru: "then enjoy, it will only be temporary!" He shouts parkouring around the shifting terrain a bit while managing to avoid some attacks and projectiles that stride sent with some causing slight injures from barely missing him.

Stride: "Despite mine venerable self's current unfortunate state, it shall suffice for thou!" He said swiftly moving about while dodging most of Subaru's attacks, though the small paper cuts he managed to inflict by the sharp end of his whip slowly began to irritate him.

Subaru then uses his whip to swing through a hole of a riding tower before landing on a building rooftop, as stride's magenta limbs strike hard where he once stood breaking the wall he was on As chains then impaled the tower he swinged through and tore it apart before stride quickly avoids Subaru lunging at him with a mana burst.

Stride staggers as Subaru had teleported and punched him then doing it again two more times until stride used his grotesque wings to whack Subaru back as he tumbled away before using his whip to swing through a window and teleports onto the side of a tower that was at an angle, with the building he once stood on getting obliterated as he then hops onto it and slides down.

Stride: "thou dare... lay your filthy weak hands on mine venerable self's body?!" He yells out in aggravation before Subaru avoids multiple miasma projectiles with a bit of teleportation, while getting hit once and grunts with pain as it hurt a lot, causing him to roll before using a mana burst to avoid a limb and get back on his feet.

Subaru: "I don't see the problem, your body is already filthy as it is!" He said in a sense as Stride yells in anger sending more chains at him as he manages to avoid them all despite getting slight cuts from some almost hitting.

Subaru quickens his pace down the slope before noticing that stride had formed a head of a dragon with his miasma, sending it at him from behind with it destroying the building and debris touched as he saw two building soon going at the slopes end, acting quickly he quickly leaps up near the end of the slope and uses his whip to grab a large piece of debris, swinging himself away while using his weight to send the debris at the dragon head- distracting it as it soon reached the end of the slope and was crushed between the two buildings that collided.

Subaru then aims and attacks with his whip, wrapping around a certain part of stride's grotesque wing, upsetting his flight balance before swinging him away as his body flips and spins a bit as he grunts with annoyance as Subaru then parkours and teleports up some debris and structures, he then skids down a small slope and off a ramp, mana busting up and teleporting to stride before throwing a punch only for stride to spin and knock him back as he tumbles slightly in the air.

Stride: "thou is indeed aggravatingly troublesome when it comes to cultists... that Pandora must have an interest if she's not dealt with what's caused many to fall, unknown one." He said catching his attention as Subaru manages to land on a floating peace of rubble.

Subaru: "why call me that? Tell!" He said as stride smirks which gives him a bad feeling.

Stride: "despite mine venerable self being just a soul- I've seen and heard many things... through the others gospels I have not seen thou's name mentioned or inscribed once, and here I was able to learn much... so tell me, how many times did it take for you to finally reach this part here?" He said gesturing at him as Subaru starts to feel dread as images of him dying flash past his eyes.

Subaru: "y-you-"

Stride: "indeed Subaru Natsuki from another world... I KNOW OF RETURN BY DEATH~!!" He said grinning victoriously as Subaru's eyes widen in complete fear.

Suddenly sounds of something braking through 7 very hard objects was heard before dark purple hands burst into the area and begin to latch all over Subaru as he struggles, while stride manages to avoid attacks caused by them as he immediately makes some distance while smirking.

Subaru: "g-grah! W-what have you-!"

Stride: "I understand mine venerable self's actions and know you will remember this after thou perishes, your effort was futile against me as I had already won knowing that... now finally face defeat Subaru Natsuki!" He said turning away from him in prideful confidence as the dark purple miasma of envy starts engulfing him whole.

Subaru: n-no! I can't, not now...! N-not when-!

???: "I love you." A voice echoed in his mind as Subaru looks to notice a transparent figure of satella who was currently fully possessed by envy before she hugs him hard by the neck.

Subaru: envy... n-no!

Envy: "I love you."

Subaru: I-if so then please kill him, not trap me here!

Envy: "I love you."

Subaru: p-please... I-I'm so close...

Envy: "... I love you."

Subaru: why can't you-?!

Gilbert: "The meaning of Envy: a feeling of discontent or resentment towards something, Envy is wanting what another has... you're statements conclude to jealousy: a fear of something taking away an attachment."

Satella : "Envy can be complicated, even more with how some of my feelings connect to her despite our incompatibility... you're the only one besides flugel she's been this much attached to, despite having a slight soft spot for those after him and before you."

Flugel: "before the great disaster where they had to be sealed soon after, while temporarily content within satella despite not being compatible so she could be close to me... the only thing envy was really annoyed by- despite me being around other girls and the witches, was the chlorine smell and attributes of my miasma to the witches. But since you don't have that... maybe she, like satella see's something in you that she can finally obtain."

Subaru: "I... envy..."

Subaru: ... tell me envy, you love me but I know you also love flugel before my birth right?

Envy: "... I-i... I l-love..." she said parting and making a small gap, struggling to fully decide as Subaru made his mind up and gave a serious yet determined look... lending out a hand.

Subaru: "envy... I have an idea and proposition that will finally put YOUR envy to ease." He said as his eyes gave an amber glow, causing envy to appear surprised before he was entirely engulfed into an orb of dark purple miasma as stride smiles sinisterly to himself in thought.

Stride: "and so the one who's undefeated finally is defeated~... now if I'm correct on my assumptions, where would I re-begin my conquest in the next loop I wonder, will I go for re-acquiring my authority or maybe I would search for remnants of the evil eye tribe... Melinda... Tch!" He said before recalling his late wife: Melinda for a moment.

Despite deep down having actual feelings of love for her as he wouldn't have made her his wife otherwise, his ever evolving large ego and pride didn't exactly show it one bit... yet still she stuck with him as she knew he did.

Stride: "Well... if I managed to return maybe I could also... yes, bring back my old forces, thou loyal and thou I could easily control, it would take time but it would be a magnificent reveal!" He said beginning to laugh, once again scheming.

Stride: "Hehe, bringing her would also spit on Wilhelm, how enticing it was to learn of what that fool's done to own family- the grandson of his own 'Sweet Theresia', splendid even! Oh I have much to-"

*CRACK!*

*WOOSH!*

Stride: "Huh?!"

_______

Meanwhile back at the Emilia camp in Roswaal's mansion, Rem was in her room with spica as the two were talking beside the window, her being in some thought before spica asks her a question.

Spica: "mama... why did you act so weird around papa?" She said confused and catching Rem's attention.

Rem: "eh?" She said with some confusion.

Spica: "despite gluttony's authority not being undone- which I think im getting closer to doing...! you and papa are strange together, you mostly appear like you want to hurt him and have done a bit at times in the past, but yet you help him and seem sorta trusting of him despite the doubts... why?" She said as rem was a bit flustered by this before going into thought about it, then sighing as she looks out the window.

Rem: "though I did want to kill him at times first as I only saw him for the witch miasma I smelt off him, as things continued onward I started to see something else... I still don't know what that is along with the feelings i have, but when hearing him mean his promises despite how I was to him, what I do know is that..." she said before looking back to spica smiling.

Rem: "...I believe in him."

Now, Back at the fight:

*PANG*

Stride was hit hard as his body crashed through a tower and some debris before he manages to get balance in his flight and then looks back aggravated, before his eyes widen in shock.

The thing that had hit him hard was a dark purple figure with a dark purple trail that had shot out of the misty orb that had engulfed Subaru. The figure parkours and slides across the debris and buildings as the dark purple orb fully bursts, the miasma trailing after the figure- going past or bursting through any objects in its way before it began to surround them and syphon into the many amber marks that resemble many cuts and injuries, soon turning the figure's colour completely amber as it twists and contorts while trying to resist an invisible force.

Stride: "w-what...?!" He yells in aggravated disbelief.

The figure then jumps into the air as the dark purple miasma was syphoned up, the figure still resisting its body contorting before painfully realigning his head with force and quickly brings his arms in, which now showed some skin and bandages before extending them out as the light burst into shards, revealing Subaru in different clothes with his scarf flowing in the wind.

Subaru: "ha... that was dirty, even for someone so prideful! Now I'm envying for some justified payback!" He said as some dark purple miasma limbs with amber outlines sprout out his upper body, with his eyes giving an amber glow.

Stride: "y-you... you're her hellspawn!" He shouts in realisation sending many magenta limbs at Subaru, as he quickly avoids them at high speeds while many buildings and debris around his former position got obliterated into dust.

Subaru: "I'm surprised you didn't come to know THAT from your time here, guess you got caught up in your pride and thought you were in full control." He said back while releasing small and precise mana bursts with his boots, mana skating across a tilted building and causing stride to become really angry at that, with magenta coloured miasma covering his exposed hands that stop at his neck.

Stride: "you troublesome PEST!!" He roars out causing some debris to shake, with the terrains layout quickly beginning to change and alter more quickly and rapidly.

Stride then begins to fly about the area, launching magenta miasma limbs and chains at Subaru while causing carnage across the changing terrain, with Subaru rushing about as he ran and skated from tower through window to wall, building and parkouring over debris at a fast pace with some teleporting, avoiding most of them while using his own miasma limbs to redirect the others While roughly bashing and grabbing the two magenta limbs that were closest- causing stride to flail a bit from these counters to his annoyance.

Subaru then teleports about a bit before he appears in front of stride and quickly goes to teleport and punch him many times, before stride causes a burst of pressure that knocks him back then hits and knocks him about with his miasma limbs and chains, which Subaru then lands on a chain he avoids and counters some others with his own miasma limbs, using one to to hit and distract stride and quickly rushes forward before leaping onto some debris and jumps forward right after, mana bursting forward before landing on a wall that acted as a floor.

Stride: "Why fight against us?! Why oppose when we must be after the same thing! You must envy many so why?! Especially after EVERYTHING!!" He shouts as Subaru dodges some of his miasma limbs before quickly using a limb to block some manifested miasma projectiles, which was then cut off soon after with a slash from a magenta miasma sword formed into the shape of the yang sword in stride's hand.

Subaru: "i don't fight for the same thing, I want satella to actually rest and you lot have prevented that for far too long!" He said barely avoiding more slashes as stride quickly appeared in front of him before Subaru jumped sideways as stride thrust forward, going past him quick.

Subaru: "I wont deny I have envy'd many because of my situation, that I'd envy they are happy, strong and amazing people while I am sad and weak, even having acted pathetic at times, but I accepted that because I'm happy with who I am and my flaws because I can learn, change and improve from them unlike you who refuses to admit and do so!" He said before quickly leaping back as stride angrily strikes again, hitting the ground hard and destroying the wall beneath them.

Subaru: "Besides, why would I not oppose the very people who've hurt those I care for?! Who are the very main reason for THAT EVERYTHING!!"

Subaru acts and knocks some debris into him which he uses some miasma limbs to block, then Subaru quickly manifests an thin amber miasma limb from his hand that wraps around strides miasma sword and snatched it off him, then swinging it around and back at stride with the miasma sword and limb evaporating right after, injuring stride quite a bit while having slashed through many buildings and debris around them as Subaru falls.

Stride: "You can't deny the truth spawn of envy! We are the same in our own rights! We're both walking calamities! We're both seen as fiends! We're both MONSTERS!!" He said regaining his flight balance as Subaru uses a controlled mana burst to land on a piece of spinning debris, noticing his morphing miasma transformation had also effecting his boots, empowering them alongside his mana.

Subaru: "Like hell we are! But you're right about one thing: I am a fiend! I am a MONSTER! but it doesn't mean that I'm not also HUMAN!!" He shouts quickly running onto a tower that passed by him.

Subaru then begins rushes up the tower while stride sends his magenta miasma limbs and chains at the tower, as Subaru runs and skates around the tower going through holes and open windows at times using his miasma limbs for help, avoiding the attacks while the tower gets ripped apart from the ground up from strides attacks as Subaru finally reaches the top and does a large leap towards him.

Stride: "Then it's mine venerable self's duty to recorrect that thinking!" He said sending everything he has while charging at him, only for Subaru to teleport last second, making stride look around for him before finally noticing too late that he had appeared just below him.

Subaru: "-and it's mine to give you lowlifes a reality check!!" He shouts before doing a large mana burst up without any restraint.

Subaru punches stride in the face as he then keeps his fist there, dragging him up until the area around them began to distort, destabilise and crack before fully breaking apart- making them appear outside Pleiades watchtower before stride's lower head and upper back hit the top edge of the top floor: maia, as he then flips and tumbles on the floor before regaining his footing and fly's up a bit, launching his miasma limbs and chains at Subaru in rage at his pride being visibly damaged while Subaru quickly moves about with a mana burst and manifesting a few miasma limbs to direct his body quicker using the pillars.

Stride: "I... m-mine venerable self won't be defeated like this! not after just returning to the physical plane from countless amounts of strategy, NOT TO A REBELLIOUS BRATTY SPAWN OF ENVY-!"

Stride yells at Subaru in frustration with some blood coming from his injuries, before Subaru lands on top a pillar and responds with a burst of pressure as pure amber miasma erupts from his body and begins surrounding him with it flowing about the area, as his eyes also glow a bright amber while causing stride's miasma limbs to retract as the chains evaporate into dust.

Subaru: "I've had enough of others saying who I MIGHT be... so I will make it clear who I am to you myself!" He said before his miasma limbs fully turn into a pure amber colour as a few more pure amber limbs sprout out.

Subaru: "I am Natsuki Subaru! This is the destiny I have decided!" He said sending his miasma limbs at stride's as he sends his own.

The amber miasma limbs clash against the magenta ones and soon overpowers them, ripping off, evaporating and crushing some while the ones ripped off disintegrate, with some limbs managing to hit stride directly causing him to become unbalanced and open as Subaru then readies himself while he grunts in anger and pain.

Stride: "You have returned from death ever since your arrival, YET YOU DENY MY RIGHTS TO DO THE VERY SAME!?!?" He shouts before Subaru teleports onto another pillar before doing a large mana burst, charging hard right at him with his body emitting amber miasma.

Subaru: "I'm not YOU stride! THIS IS WHO I CHOSE TO BE!!" He declares, causing stride to give a look of surprise and panic before Subaru lands the punch as he then suddenly appears on the ground behind him, as a large amber crack appears on strides chest.

Stride: "D-damn... Y-YOU... S-SUBARU-MPH!" He said before putting a hand over his mouth as if he's about to throw up before bolting up as many lights spew out his mouth uncontrollably with a pained yell.

Stride: "GGGUUUAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!" He yells with amber cracks spread and glow brighter before his body combusts and explodes.

Subaru takes a moment to breathe as he soon takes a look back to where stride once stood as the dark clouds began to fade, it takes a little bit before the action of what he's just actually accomplished fully processed with him then-

Subaru: "VICTORY!!!" He yells out to the sky, having a need to say that after all the shit that's gone down before staggering slightly with some exhaustion, taking a long moment to breathe.

*HEAVY THUD*

That was until he immediately became alert when noticing volcanica and quickly reminds himself that he was currently on the floor the guardian dragon was residing on, as he's not sure on what to do before noticing two certain spirits placing their hands on the dragon as it then appears to stiffen before softening from the familiar presences, while Subaru looks to see the one's doing this were flugel and satella.

Satella: "it's alright volcanica. come subaru... you've not gotten the chance to touch a dragon as grand as volcanica haven't you? Don't worry he won't bite, especially at us." She said having a genuine smile.

Subaru was surprised by both their appearances and blinks to make sure it was really them, noting that satella now appeared more... lightened, before he silently made his way over and joins them, gently, slowly and carefully placing his own hand down on the dragon as volcanica jolts a bit at the new sensation before appearing at peace.

Flugel: "forgive us old friend, if things didn't happen the way they did you wouldn't have become the shell you are now... be at peace here." He said as there was a small glint in its eye before it fully returned to its hibernation-like state as there was some silence before the three make some distance.

Flugel: "I believe proper congratulations are in order, considering you have just finished something we could not." He said with a smile.

Subaru: "huh?"

Flugel: "simple, have you noticed something about satella yet?" He said as Subaru looks to her and inspects her.

Subaru: "Well she does seem happier- wait... she doesn't look like she's holding back anything anymore!" He said as she smiles.

Satella: "you'd be right then. what drove you to do that action with envy will never be understood, but It appears the witch factor is now fully compatible with me... now that part of it is also in you, yet yours feels different... not life threatening to others and accepted in a way." She said as dark purple miasma aura that felt like a vacuum emits from her palm, as Subaru soon does the same except his is an amber colour that felt more... alive.

Subaru: "heh... told you I'd save you." He said smiling as she gave a genuine giggle, soon after many happy tears begin rushing down her face to which she tries wiping some away weakly only for more to come out.

Satella: "th-thank you..." she said finally being herself without restraint, as flugel placed a comforting hand on her shoulder to which she place her own hand on, starting to calm down.

Flugel: "that comes from both of us, along with others that are unfortunately not around today... with that, the power of return by death is now fully under your control. You can make it attract mabeast's when said or not, use it to go back to the exact point you wish, and reveal it to others without any penalties... it's yours." He said as Subaru tears up, crying a bit at hearing that until wiping his tears and takes a breath.

Subaru: "that's... that's something I wished to do for so long... so, I'm guessing your both going to enjoy yourselves?"

Satella: "I can now do things without worry for the first time in over 4 centuries... of course I'm going to spend my time with this man after envying not being able too for so long." She said with some annoyance as flugel gave a soft chuckle which makes her blush.

Flugel: "I've missed your constant company as well dear... though we all know not everything is solved as there will still be obstacles for you to face in the future- first one being near, small yet unexpected, but I'm certain you and those alongside will overcome them." He said making Subaru sigh annoyed.

Subaru: "must you both be like this when it comes to me with certain things?" He said annoyed but used to this.

Satella: "we maybe powerful, but even we must follow some rules otherwise this world wouldn't have continued existing even before I brought you- why do you think echidna dislikes me the most out of us 7?" She states as Subaru feels uncomfortable at the thought and at how used to both were by this before he flashed an amber glow and returned to normal.

Subaru: "seems I'm back to normal, glad to see I didn't lose anything... useful to know if I ever do it again." He said looking over himself before back to flugel and satella as their spirits fade.

Flugel: "if you need us... we'll be here, or wherever when your near death or are dead- me depending on if I'm busy watching over the corridor of memories." He said trying to seem cool only to fail remembering his strict duty's as satella giggles before looking to Subaru with a gentle yet caring smile.

Satella: "enjoy your deserved moment of peace... and please, remember to love yourself." She said as Subaru gave a nod.

The spirits of both the great sage and the witch of envy soon fade and go back to rest as Subaru give a small smile and slight huff before hearing heavy thuds as he looks to see that patrasche had made her way up and was now skidding to a stop by him as she nudges her head into his hands.

Subaru: "p-patrasche! Were you that worried about me? Well i suppose the fight with stride must've not just affected wherever we were..." he said as patrasche kept squealing at him, before realising from the squeals that there was more to it.

Subaru: "wait, patrasche... do you remember?" He said placing both hands on her head as she nods with a squeal as he begins smiling with a slight happy laugh.

Subaru: "you remember me? Do you remember Julius? Do you remember rem?!" He said as patrasche keeps nodding before she begins hopping a bit with a squeal as Subaru laughs happily before hugging her as she nestled into his hold.

Subaru: "it's over... finally." He said as they part as he smiled while both look out to the nice scenery as the dark clouds had fully vanished, with his smile slowly turning bittersweet as he soon sighs.

Subaru: "stride was using Roy's body and he still had gluttony's authority... my new miasma, that hit I gave must've made him spit them out along with some others." He said looking at his hand, moving its joints a bit as his eyes gave off a pure amber glow before giving a tired chuckle.

Subaru: "well... can't rest just yet, we still have a party to attend right?" He said as patrasche nods, both silently decide to take a moment to breathe and look at the view.

_______

A few hours later at noon at the border of the sand dunes that was closet to kararagi, Halibel, Zarestia and Gilbert were by a campfire as Halibel was relaxing while Zarestia watched the flames as Gilbert plays a bit with it using his metal claw- as he can't be harmed by it.

Zarestia: "those dark clouds are fading... why did we all decide and agree to stay here? We could just wait for him near kararagi as he is going there next." She said a bit board.

Gilbert: "we agreed for a multitude of reasons, both of ours being wishing to obliterate more of the mabeast's in the sand dunes, as we have done." He said as the two look to the sand dunes to see the remaining charred and cut up pieces of mabeast's about while small bits of sand underneath the remains had turned to glass.

Halibel: "you've killed many around us already, why not rest and enjoy the cracking noises of the fire." He said biting his kiseru while relaxing himself though still on guard incase of trouble.

Gilbert: "I agree with enjoying the sounds of flames... I fail to see the joy in sleep however." He said making the fire crack louder with some slight movements.

Zarestia: "you'll soon understand, though I'm with you on being active... I was the same once a long time ago, though considering how long you've were dormant for I wouldn't want to rest for a while either." She said with understanding as Halibel huffs.

Halibel: "besides that, we also agreed out of some respect... even more so now with what he's just accomplished." He said smirking as Zarestia raises a brow before her eyes widen slightly as info re-entered her mind.

Soon after that the three heard some quick heavy thuds approaching them as they look to see Subaru on patrasche, quickly approaching them from the direction of Pleiades watchtower with a small wave, appearing happy and very tired as once he was close enough they stand and go to him, with Gilbert putting out the fire by simply stepping hard on it.

Gilbert: "celebratory greetings, many factors indicate you were successful in your endeavour." He said as Subaru gave a nod while Halibel gives an amused huff.

Halibel: "well, considering what I've heard about the knight of Emilia I'm not so surprised... but then again I expected you to do it despite that." He said as Subaru smiles more at that.

Subaru: "yeah, and I appreciate that... if you want to know I also defeated the real pride archbishop that somehow still lived on in there along with Roy who broke out of prison by eating his own name." He said causing surprise.

Halibel: "huh... seems like you had one hell of a time in there."

Zarestia: "damnit, we should've gone with! Those fights would've been better than just facing the mabeasts around here." She said annoyed as gilbert also appeared to be very keen on wanting to fight them.

Subaru: "sorry, but even if you came along those fights were personal." He said causing her to begrudgingly nod with the other two, each understanding that as they all begin walking towards kararagi.

Subaru: "say Halibel... mind if I purchase that house we talked on how I took a liking too?"

Halibel: "oh? Why so suddenly?" He said as this caught his interest and everyone's attention.

Subaru: "even though I still have things I must do as I will continue being Emilia's knight, Ive wanted to have a place of my own for a few reasons that don't involve any resentment or bad feelings... so would it be fine?" He said as Halibel is silent before giving a hum.

Halibel: "sure, why not... but if you also allow me to live there I could take care of the place while your gone elsewhere~" he said with a lazy smirk.

Gilbert: "I would also like to have a small place to rest there, highly useful." 

Zarestia: "well if you lot are making a place for yourselves there, I don't see why I shouldn't also- but my friend gets to have her own place there to stay too and rest when she comes over!" She said with some annoyance as Subaru gives a slight laugh.

Subaru: "alright, you all have helped me so I don't see why not- just make sure to protect it as its a really nice place... if you want we can also have the party you talked about there, It can act as a nice welcome and I don't mind." He said as Halibel chuckles while smoke comes out his kiseru.

Halibel: "I appreciate it, and we'll take you up on the kind offer... now why not get yourself some rest, you look like you need it. We can definitely look out for you on our way to kararagi." He said as Subaru soon yawns.

Subaru: "alright... and thanks... really..." he said before quickly going asleep on patrasche as she continues carrying him without much problem, they all continue on towards kararagi while he was getting some much deserved shut-eye.

Meanwhile at Anastasia's camp:

Julius had just entered Anastasia's office to state his report with a bothered sigh, walking a bit with some thought as he soon sees Anastasia looking out the window in full thought before looking to him as her eyes widen.

Anastasia: "J-julius...!" She said as Julius noticed she was tearing up.

Julius: "Anastasia? Is there something the matter- wha?!" He said concerned before being surprised by Anastasia tackling him in a hug with some tears.

Anastasia: "Julius!" She shouts with joy as he's still in surprised shock while he gets his footing.

Julius: "A-Anastasia?!"

Anastasia: "I-i remember when we first met, I remember!" She said happily as his eyes widen before he begins tearing up himself.

Julius: "y-you mean... oh thank the heavens!" He said hugging back as they parted after a bit.

Anastasia: "b-but how has this even happened? From what I know spica still hasn't mastered that part of her authority yet..." she said with thought before a guard rushed in.

"Miss Anastasia! Julius! The cell that once held the other archbishop of gluttony: Roy, it's... its empty!" He said alarming them.

Julius: "what?! How haven't we noticed until...!" he said before the two realised.

Anastasia: "he must've eaten his own name... s-Subaru, oh no..."

Julius: "even after everything... he still decided to help us all in the end..." he said with a pained sad smile, as they all now felt awful as they quickly understand what must've occurred before remembering another person that was forgotten and put in a comatose state.

Julius: "Joshua! I need to see him!" He said before rushing away to where Joshua was currently placed as Anastasia quickly remembers and goes after him, the awful feeling now becoming worse as Subaru helped another that was close to them both.

Meanwhile at Crusch's camp:

Felix: "master Crusch!" He said as he and Wilhelm were keeping her steady, as she had suddenly stumbled as they were walking through one of the halls of their mansion and now breathed a bit heavily.

Wilhelm: "maybe you need some rest my lady? You have been putting in a bit more effort than usual today-" he said before being interrupted as Crusch raises a hand.

Crusch: "n-no! Not at all... Felix, Wilhelm... e-everything before the aftermath of the white whale battle... I-i now remember it all!" She said as their eyes widen.

Felix: "y-you... master Crusch! Ferri-chan's so happy!" He said hugging her with a bright smile, tearing up a bit as Wilhelm also smiles while wiping away a tear.

Wilhelm: "that is indeed something great to hear my lady... welcome back." He said as she gives them a smile as Felix stops the hug with some hesitation.

Crusch: "thank you, now with my memories fully recovered the royal selection will be... Subaru..." she said with confidence before turning to dread as the other two then fell the same.

Felix: "w-we forgot him.... We all locked him up and...!" He said beginning to tear up.

Wilhelm: "... what have we done?" He said with sadness as Crusch sheds a tear, as they know each of them had part of the blame with action or inaction.

Meanwhile at felt's camp:

Felt: "He did it... big brother did it!" She said grinning with watery eyes as Reinhard was standing beside her with a sad smile within the Astraea mansion, both having remembered him and the other names that were eaten by gluttony.

Reinhard: "He really did..." he said with a slight sigh.

Felt: "Told you he would as how we saw him back then, even if we did forget!" She said with a grin as she teared up slightly as Reinhard wiped away one of his own.

Reinhard: "yeah, but I wish we could've done more... where are you going?" He said as he soon noticed felt begin walking away.

Felt: "to ask old man rom to help me make a place for him to stay here!"

Reinhard: "but you know what Subaru will most likely do even despite the change, he'll still fulfil his obligations as miss Emilia's knight since in his mind it's the best way for all the camps to get part of what each one really wants for the kingdom in the end."

Felt: "I know, but if something happens or he decides to come here there will be a good properer place here ready for him! Now are you coming to help or stay standing there looking all pretty and not?!" She said as Reinhard gave a slight smile at that before following after her.

Meanwhile at Pricilla's camp:

Pricilla- who now had a red-tinted black leather bandage firmly wrapped around her right arm, fully covering it and part of her right upper body leading up to her neck, only covering a small part of the right side of her right breast while showing some marks coming from beneath the leather bandage wrapping, and trailing down her back with it covering more all the while keeping her graceful look, was currently fanning herself outside in the sunlight on a fancy chair while Al stood near her, both being quiet before Al gasps and Pricilla eyes him with some annoyance.

Al: "... Subaru... oh shit..." he said as pricillas eyes widen at that, soon closing her fan as she gave an annoyed grunt.

Pricilla: "... this will be problematic."

Meanwhile at Emilia's camp:

In rem's room she was still with spica before stiffening as spica then coughs slightly heavily from an unknown force, wincing before noticing things beginning to appear suddenly all around the room, causing her to smile in delight though with some confusion.

Spica: "mama! Look! Things are appearing in your room, b-but if so that means your name has been remembered... mama?" She said happily before becoming a bit worried when seeing Rem's expression.

Rem's face as all this was happening appeared panicked with terror as her eyes tremble, as her eyes reflected images of death and pain before she recalls her and Subaru's short conversation before he was imprisoned.

Subaru: "rem, I'm not sure what'll happen as gluttony might've eaten my name considering my short talk with Al and him seeing me as a stranger... but I want you to vouch for spica and look after her, she might be the only way to get everyone's memories back."

Rem: "Why should I listen to you? What would you gain from this?!"

Subaru: "nothing... but you'll finally regain what you have again."

Rem: "... you know how I feel about you, so why help me?"

Subaru: "because even if you don't remember, even if everyone has forgotten you, even if you don't see me as your hero anymore... i care a lot about you rem, as I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."

Rem: "S-Subaru... I truly don't deserve you as my hero..." she said placing a hand on her mouth while tears rush down her face.

Ram: "REM!" She shouts out bursting into the room, as both sisters look to each other before ram goes and hugs rem with her hugging back.

Ram: "I-i remember everything! I'm so sorry for forgetting!" She said with some tears.

Rem: "so do I sister! R-rem remembers too." She said has they hug for a bit before parting as ram wipes her tears with a happy smile.

Ram: "I'm glad to hear that..."

Spica: "I wanna hug!" She said quickly hugging rem right after as rem gave a slight sad giggle before smoothing her head and looks to ram.

Rem: "ram... do you remember Subaru?" She said as ram was silent before her expression showed dread.

Ram: "... oh no..." she said before they All hear a devastating cry echo throughout the mansion.

Emilia: "AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAHaaaa!!!"

Meanwhile with the great sages:

Miklotov: "Bordeaux... of the many things we have decided and done throughout the years, I'd say this is one of the worse acts done despite the circumstances..." he said solemnly as Bordeaux nods with much regret beside him, both looking out a window within royal castle.

Bordeaux: "even though I and many others didn't like the boy... this was too awful of a punishment for the one who has helped many." He said as miklotov nods.

Miklotov: "nothing can be done about it now... we can only brace for the coming consequences-"

"Miklotov! Bordeaux! It's the great dragon tablet!" Interrupted a member of the council of wisemen as they look to them with some annoyance at first before it turned to alarm as both look to each other.

The two then quickly make their way to where the dragon tablet resided as many other wisemen were around it, looking at it in shock as the two then arrive and inspect it- fully reading it before their eyes widen with some fear.

Bordeaux: "Flugel...? Satella...?! That boy is one of their...?!" He said with some fear as Miklotov becomes serious and looks to everyone around them.

Miklotov: "Organise and prepare the next candidate meeting earlier than usual and inform the candidates, not a word of this will be spoken or revealed until then, also send word to keep an eye out for the young man and keep track of his whereabouts- do not force or capture or else there will be punishment if he hasn't already given his own!... we must brace and prepare ourselves while not angering the ones who could end us and our world in an instant more than we have already."

Chapter Text

Taken place almost an entire year before chapter: 1.

At vollachia's royal capital lupugana, within the Crystal Palace:

Subaru was rushing about in panic as many footsteps were heard echoing throughout the hall he was currently in before he bursts into the room he was using and slams it shut.

"He's still in the castle somewhere, find him before he escapes!"

"His scents a bit all over the place, but it has density so he's still around!"

"I'll go this way, you go that way and the rest of you spread out! Call for the rest of us once you find him!" The voices call out as subaru gets away from the door.

Subaru: "shitshitSHIT!! Cmon there must be at least something, anything left for them to believe me!" He said while searching his whole body.

Subaru: "please...! Hm?" He begged before feeling something in his pocket and takes it out, finding a familiar insignia with some surprise.

Subaru: "Emilia's insignia? C'mon Emilia, I thought you got better at- wait! This is just what I need!" He said with a sweatdrop before realising this can help him before hearing the door open and immediately looks to see Emilia, who's surprised but quickly becomes serious.

Emilia: "there you are, you can't escape-!"

Subaru: "Wait! P-please listen to me Emilia! I was and still am telling the truth! see?" He said interrupting her while cautiously approaching before showing her candidate insignia, shocking her as he places it in her hands.

Emilia: "my insignia...! How did you...?"

Subaru: "I-i don't know, but you must've dropped it in my pocket back at the watchtower..." he said causing her to look back to him seriously.

Emilia: "how did you know we had been there?!"

Subaru: "I went there with you! I've been with you, your camp and have known the rest for nearly two years now, you and everyone have just forgotten as gluttony's eaten my name..." he said sadly with some pain as Emilia was in thought, looking at her insignia.

Subaru: "l-look, I know this scent that's been forced onto me isn't exactly comforting especially with what it's associated with, but please believe me when I say I know you all, that I’m your very close friend, your knight!" He said with pleading eyes as Emilia was silent until her eyes harden.

Subaru: "Emilia?... Emilia is everything- Gah?!" He said before being thrown into the far end as frost covers most of his body.

Subaru: "E-Emilia-?!" He said before an ice dagger is pointed at him, as he looks up to see a glaring Emilia.

Emilia: "Archbishop of pride known as Subaru Natsuki, for steeling my candidate insignia along with kidnapping one of my friends, you are to be detained and escorted back to the royal capital!" She said causing him to look up in despair at that while she felt uncomfortable doing this with some hidden confusion at those feelings before doing as told.

Emilia: "QUICKLY EVERYONE! PRIDE'S IN HERE!!"

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"When Julius and Emilia had their names eaten and I still remembered them, I had the thought of asking those close if they would remember me if I was forgotten... guess I should've expected the obvious outcome... but it still hurts so much."- Subaru Natsuki.

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Re:Forgotten — surviving life in another world: Envy route.

—Title RE-written—

Re:Zero: Shadow of an omen.

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Lugunica's royal capital, within the prison tower's chambers:

Subaru: "ngh-!!!" He said as his chains rattle, being held up from the neck by Julius who had Felix to his right and Al to his left while Emilia and some of her camp: ram, garfiel, Otto, rosswal and rem, observed from behind them, all of them here to unknowingly in vain try gain information of the cult from him.

Julius: "Tell us, where are the others hiding?! Where are the sin archbishops currently from when you were last informed!"

Subaru: "A-ack...! I-I... d-don't know! I-I'm not.... O-one of those... d-damn cultists!" He said before doing some pained shrieks as dislocated an arm forcefully, using certain magic to increase the pain of it all.

Felix: "Don't lie! You must knew where that lust archbishop that hurt master Crusch went! Where is she damnit! Ferri-chan wants to know pride!" He shouts in anger as Subaru was about to black out from lack of air as some grew uncomfortable at the sight.

Al: "hold it you two! Let him breathe or you'll kill the guy!" He said as Julius let's go as he falls to the floor coughing before he looks to Emilia.

Julius: "sorry miss Emilia, but the methods we've just used haven't gotten us anywhere... maybe you and your camp can do something to help, but I'm not certain on that." He said as Emilia nods with an uncomfortable sweatdrop after what they witnessed.

Emilia: "I-it's fine... you 3 can go back to your duties at your camps, we'll be able to handle things from here." She said as Julius nods before gesturing the other two to follow.

Al: "Right on- Crap! Pricilla might get mad if I'm not there when needed, we are going back to vollachia again in two months or more!" He said quickly rushing out, leaving with a wave causing some surprise as Felix grunts before relocating Subaru's arm as he yells in pain.

Felix: "suck it up pride! This is just the beginning..." he said with a heated glare before looking to Emilia and nodding as he and Julius go to their duty's, leaving them as Subaru looks to those of the Emilia camp that are there with some pained tears.

Emilia: "now then, we don't want excuses so please... tell us what you know about the cult, it can help us all and so many people if you do." She said seriously to him as he gave a pained grunt and an expression of anguish.

Subaru: "I... I really don't know anything on what they're currently doing, please believe me on that...! I only know just as much as you all do about them all as we faced them together-!"

Garfiel: "stop spouting that shit like a broken record! It's really annoying me so just tell us the damn truth!" He said banging the cell bars annoyed as Otto does his best to keep him calm.

Otto: "e-easy! H-he might be telling the truth... or maybe not, h-half and half maybe?" He said nervously as some of the camp were slowly growing very aggravated.

Subaru: "it is the truth! I hate how they just do as they please and trample life without care!... they've even... t-they took..." he said trying to persuade them in both emotional and physical pain as more tears fall before ram sighs.

Ram: "this is getting us nowhere, honestly I'm also getting annoyed by how things have gone just like that Sirius girl." She said as Roswaal hums before noticing the time.

Roswaal: "ahhhhhhh~ miss Emilia, though we cooooould continue interrogating this fool, we have work and duties that will soon neeeeed to attend to from what the tiiiiime suggests." He said as Emilia also notices the time and sighs before looking back to subaru seriously.

Emilia: "we'll be back to interrogate you again soon, take the time to collect your thoughts and words. If you'll excuse us." She said before they all begin walking away.

Subaru: "w-wait! I'm not pride! I'm not the archbishop of pride please just listen to me! PLEASE! P-please believe me..." he desperately pleaded only for them to leave faster as he begins braking down with silent sobs, looking down as he hears footsteps walking away.

Subaru: why?... why?! What did I do to deserve this?! To be in prison...?! What actions...? I guess I have killed... but-

Tears went down his face as he was in thought before he takes a look up and sees that rem hadn't left yet, as she still looked at him with a harsh glare but behind it there was confusion with some uncertainty and... sadness...

Subaru: ... right... how could I have forgotten my biggest damn failure... she doesn't deserve any of this...! No sense of self or much to go on... None of them deserve what she's going through...  h-heh, guess there is a reason after all...

Subaru then looks back down shedding more broken tears as rem soon looks down a bit before deciding to leave the place as the door to his secured cell closes, leaving Subaru alone as he silently cried in his cell, with much grief and a lot more pain.

Some days later:

Days passed as he sat in the cell, long or short it really didn't matter as part of him just wanted the day he had was to go without much hassle, to not be in much physical or emotional pain... despite it he still felt like crap, with dry tears on his cheeks with him not smiling and his eyes bot giving their usual shining optimism.

He just sits in silence while hearing som occasional chatter and wildlife, and has gotten visited by Julius and Felix a bunch with all coming once, now he had just been visited again a third time by those at the Emilia camp who were the same as last time minus Otto... with their interrogation getting no results as they leave again.

Garfiel: "damnit! Still nothing!" He said hitting a wall as they left.

Emilia: "careful Garfiel! We're still in a secured place after all."

Roswaal: "any damage caused here by you wiiiilllll only be payed by your own hand." He said as Garfiel gives him an annoyed grunt.

Garfiel: "s-sorry miss Emilia."

Emilia: "it's fine Garfiel, you were just a bit annoyed by the outcome, even I'm annoyed that he still says that he's my knight of All things!" She said sighing, massaging her temples.

Ram: "We all are miss Emilia... rem, aren't you coming?" She said looking to rem who shakes her head.

Rem: "I'll stay a bit longer... you all can go on, I'll soon follow." She said as ram looks to a beaten and very depressed Subaru with some irritation before looking back to rem and nods.

Ram: "very well, we'll be nearby if you need us sister." She said before leaving with the rest.

Rem: "thanks... sister..." she said with some uncertain hesitation before looking to Subaru, giving a silent hard stare as Subaru slowly looked up to her, making her unnerved as there was still silence between them before Subaru weakly speaks.

Subaru: "... if you want to question or hit me, do so... many have their reasons... but yours I will definitely understand after everything..." he said irritating her.

Rem: "could you just stop with that act? Wanting to save everyone and that nobody can die like a fool, Seeing yourself as someone special when you obviously aren't." She said as Subaru flinched at her saying that, but visibly grimaced.

Subaru: "...right... wouldn't be here if I was." He said causing her to be surprised by that response as he gives a sad smile.

Subaru: "everyone would still know who I was... and you... you wouldn't be so hesitant to everything... you wouldn't have gotten your memories and name eaten by gluttony... including Crusch's own memories... none of that would've occurred." He said annoying her at that.

Rem: "Stop acting like you know me! From what everyone's said we aren't familiar with each other in the slightest!" She shouts as Subaru reacts to that with his own annoyance.

Subaru: "We did know each other! Though we had differences at first we became close friends! I know the things about you that have been forgotten because you told me!.... Which you would still know if I hadn't let you leave my side back-" he states, becoming saddened at the last bit before being cut off by an angry rem.

Rem: "Stop implying you're a hero already! How can you be with that much miasma?!" She shouts making him also angry.

Subaru: "I'm not part of the cult! I hate them especially for what they've done to everyone, me and you!"

Rem: "if so then why not hate us for treating you like one?!"

Subaru: "Because I care about you! I... I care about you and everyone else even if you all don't remember..." he states causing a moment of silence.

Rem: "... what if how you feel for us changes? What then?" She said with a serious look.

Subaru: "... I still won't take revenge." He said making her surprised by the response as her serious look breaks slightly, before giving an irritated sigh.

Rem: "... you know that sounds foolish, doesn't it?" She said harshly as he gives a broken chuckle.

Subaru: "well... it isn't the first time I'd be called as such." He said looking down to the ground again, reverting to how he was before their talk as there was some silence.

Rem: "... just so you know, our camp will be returning to our current residence so we are departing tomorrow. But we will return for more interrogation... I'll be going." She said leaving as the door to his secured cell closes once more as there was just silence... with Subaru soon blacking out due to dehydration.

???: "I Love You."

_______

Within Subaru's cursed mindscape/the shadow garden:

Subaru opens his eyes wide in alarm as he looks about, only seeing dark purple mass fill the place as the ground he stood on was grey coloured grass with some of the mass flowing through parts of it, he stands up noticing he wasn't in physical pain before once again hearing a familiar dreaded voice.

???: "I love you." The voice said as Subaru quickly snaps his head to a certain direction and sees the witch envy satella, who was currently overtaken by envy and was sitting at a small distance.

Subaru: "y-you..." he said shaking nervously as envy remained still.

Envy: "I love you." She said as Subaru mind was in overdrive from panic.

Subaru: was I too dehydrated?! d-did I die again?! No- if I did I would've returned, is... this a state of near-death then from lack of hydration-

Envy: "I love you." She said cutting off his thoughts as the more he was around her currently his rage began to grow.

Subaru: "could you stop, I'm trying to think here-"

Envy: "I love you."

Subaru: "ugh! Please? I can actually think properly now that I'm not in pain-!"

Envy: "I love you."

Subaru: "stop-!"

Envy: "I love you."

Subaru: "STOP!"

Envy: "I-"

Subaru: "I SAID SHUT UP YOU BITCH!" He said finally loosing it as he leaps onto her and starts chocking her in rage, with it seeming having no effect except silencing her.

Subaru: "If you really did why update my save point when my name was eaten?! Huh?! Why did you do the same when rem was forgotten?! Huh?! Why do you update it at the worst most difficult times I have and not a suitable place?! HUH?! WHY MUST I AND EVERYONE I KNOW SUFFER?! HUH?!?!" He yells at her in rage as expression didn't change before he begins to break down in tears and loosens his grip.

Envy: "...I love you." She said making him grunt before letting go and getting off her, as she sits up while he takes a few steps away before falling to his knees and hitting the ground.

Subaru: "... n-nobody knows me...! I'm in a damn prison cell with my own friends seeing me as something I'm not and some even torturing me for gods sake!... the friends I made, e-everything I've achieved just gone!... guess I now know how some feel... but nobody has the ability to remember me..." he said trying to recollect himself as he sobs.

Envy: "I love you." She said making him stiffen before he brokenly chuckles.

Subaru: "really...? Really? Is that all you can say to me still?!" He said sitting up as he turns to her with a broken smile driven with emotion as he kept crying.

Subaru: "hehe... fine then! I.LOVE.YOU.TOO!" He said with much hatred and anguish as envy was visibly affected by that response as she recoiled and stiffened.

Subaru: "THERE: I LOVE YOU TOO! I SAID IT! I said what you wanted to hear from me since you brought me to this world! I responded to that as you wanted! wait?! It wasn't as anticipated?! As you've waited so long for to hear?!" He said as his expression slowly turns into that of rage as envy leaned back slightly as her stoic expression cracked.

Subaru: "Oh?! You wander why the response was like that?! Well how about we look over the facts TOGETHER!: You have hurt me on multiple occasions! You have hurt others on MANY occasions! You even killed everyone in that one loop at the sanctuary even when I technically abided by your rules despite its loophole- but you didn't seem to care! And how can we forget the most important one now: THIS SITUATION!! I have nothing! my friends have forgotten me! I can't reverse it! I can't do what I want or what you want, I'm stuck here! so tell me?! HOW CAN IT BE A LOVING RESPONSE?!?! HOW?! TELL ME!!!"

With that yell there was only silence afterwards as Subaru slowly begins to calm down taking long loud shaky breaths before stiffening at a sound of a hiccup, noticing that the witch of envy was now in tears as she goes to wipe them- causing her veil to lift a bit and now making her eyes visible, showing that satella was in control... and she too was distraught by this.

Satella: "I-I'm sorry... I-i... I-I'm so sorry... I-i didn't want things to go this way but..." she said while crying as Subaru grunts, grimacing while he calms down as he slowly returns to being somber.

Subaru: "... I know... but I'm sorry satella... that doesn't change anything now..." he said as both still shed tears in silence... until a weird yet calm feeling familiarity came to them both.

???: "*sigh*... I know you could handle things, but I should've known that when you messed up doing so, it would cause big problems... getting in contact with that envy factor was one of them... and one of my biggest mistakes." A voice echoed making Subaru alert while satella stiffens in shock.

Subaru: "w-what the- who's-"

???: "ah right! Uh, j-just give me a sec... sorry, takes a bit because of things and Od- There we go!" He said a sound of a crack is heard.

Both Subaru and satella look in the sounds direction and see a golden crack, before it shatters in on itself showing a place full of white with many colours flowing throughout as a figure steps through, causing Subaru to be surprised at the sight while satella's eyes widen and shake. The figure then turns with a book in his hands, opening it as then makes it looks like as if he's holding an object in another before doing some movements that close up the crack before slamming the book shut, the miasma that once flowed where he was standing disintegrating at his presence and touch causing the rest of the miasma about to avoid him.

Subaru: th-the miasma... h-how... w-who even is this guy-

Subaru was in thinking with shock and some fear before hearing some slow footsteps as he notices satella had stood, slowly stepping towards the figure with each step shaking the closer she got. Once she was close enough the figure turned and showed his face, being a bit surprised by satella appearing near him while Subaru stared in shock while satella froze with tears... remembering a time from long ago.

???: "w-whoa satella! Don't scare me like that, or... was that you envy? Now what have I said about surprising-" he said from surprise before turning to teasing until satella interrupted.

Satella: "I-is it you...? I-is it really... r-really you...?" She said with a broken voice filled with emotion, afraid to touch him as he blinks a bit before softening, realising the atmosphere.

???: "it's really been that long huh...? Damn, I really need make some improvements, then again timing never is my strong suit. Don't be afraid... go on." He said giving a sad smile as satella touches his cheek, rubbing it as more tears flow.

Satella: "... y-your really... m-my dear flugel really is...!" She tried to say as flugel nods.

Flugel: "yes... I'm here, my dear satella." He said causing her to immediately hug him tightly, making him lean back before he hugs her back while her cry's are slightly louder.

Satella: "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I didn't want it to happen! I didn't want this to happen! I didn't want to ruin everything! I didn't want to hurt so many intentionally! I didn't want you to be so devastated! I... I-I'm so sorry!" She said crying into him as he comforts her with a somber expression.

Flugel: "Shhhh.... it's alright satella, I know... none of us are exactly guilt free... things really went downhill from that very moment, didn't they?" He said as satella continued to cry into him but obviously agreed, with her soon calming down before delivering a punch to the gut causing surprise.

Satella: "How can you just decide to show up out of the blue and act normal?! Not even appearing to check up once?! Did spending more time alone with Reid make you more of a fool?!" She shouts as flugel winces in pain while seeing the extent of how upset satella was.

Flugel: "Y-yeah, I deserve that- just showing up after so when your in a pickle. I really need to manage myself and the time more when I get back-" he said a bit disappointed in himself before satella interrupts with a kiss, causing some shock before he kisses back until they part and sho goes back to hugging him.

Satella/envy: "please... please don't leave..." both she and envy begged as flugel smiles as he pats her head.

Flugel: "you both know I'll have too later... but don't worry, I'll stay as long as I can- making sure to adjust some things when I go back." He said as she hugs him tighter with a small visible yet sad smile of pain, the two continue hugging for a minute until satella let's go and sees Subaru staring at them stunned, blinking.

Flugel: "Oh, apologies - I'm here on business, but as you just saw I had complicated things." He said scratching his cheek with a blush while satella realises Subaru was still here and looks to him flustered.

Satella: "s-sorry... I was just so happy..." she said embarrassed as Subaru was still completely confused and fully processing what just happened.

Subaru: "u-uh... I-it's fine... I guess...?" He said slowly as both sweatdrop.

Flugel: "... well give you a moment-"

Subaru: "h-hold it! I'm sorry... w-what just happened?! You just c-came through some golden crack and did some weird things, satella or envy just... k-kissed you, how are you not dead yet... and why is your face identical to mine?!" He said in complete confusion as his tears had stopped and dried up, as flugel's face structure was similar to his with the man's hair also having a bit of similarities despite the differences.

Flugel: "oh- that? Well how I did the first thing is a 'bit' complicated: how it's done and what I did, it'll take a while to simplify... as for the second: it's the result of having to properly sort an INFINITE amount of things in the corridor of memories alongside Od, completely loosing tack of time and only coming back when noticing the one you love and your decedent are in a bad spot." He said simply making Subaru annoyed at the first bit... and overloading him with the second.

Subaru: "... eh?" He said as flugel realises his mistake and smiles with excitement.

Flugel: "right! Allow me to properly introduce myself: I am Natsuki Flugel, The great sage, The man who enjoys to test many limits and impossibility's, Your very great ancestor who also came from Japan, Husband- though we never got married unfortunately- of satella... and if we go by the standard rules of this world today, I'd also be labelled as the archbishop of envy!" He states smiling causing silence as Subaru looks to them frozen in shock, as satella raises a finger before slowly pointing it to Subaru.

Satella: "...... and:"

Subaru: "NANIIIIIIIII?!?!?!"

A Minute later:

Subaru: "s-sorry about that... I'm just... w-wow..." he said still sitting in shock as flugel and satella were sitting in front of him.

Flugel: "yeah... anyone would probably act the same in your position, especially when facing two relitives who are supposed to be dead." He said as Subaru just nods to that in a shocked trance before shaking his head with a grunt.

Subaru: "so, satella's my very great grandmother along with envy... and flugel, the great sage is my grandfather... and the great sage was an archbishop of envy?!" He said as both flugel and satella eye each other and shrug.

Flugel: "in a sense, the envy factor did decide to influence my very special book right here, but due to my very own miasma that accumulated a lot overtime from using time based yin magic to keep my body in its prime, I was untouchable to the other witches miasma so envy couldn't exactly do anything directly.... One of the many tricks which helped me deal and safely be around those who could cause major disasters." He said gesturing his unique book before snapping his fingers as golden miasma emirates from him, making dark purple miasma disintegrate from a bigger distance than before.

Satella: "very handy indeed... only problem was that it made him always smell like chloroform along with it, that dry clean smell easily made him identifiable." She said rubbing her nose as flugel sighs, making his miasma fade while Subaru was in awe.

Flugel: "it's not like I wanted that..."

Subaru: "y-your miasma cancels out the miasma which factors of others? Amazing...! Now recalling what I've seen and knowing your hand in certain things... no offence, but you could only be described as a monster from what you've achieved." He said as flugel blinks before chuckling.

Flugel: "I know, said the same thing considering some said raid's a monster due to his skills and power yet I've done inhumane accomplishments! Ah... though I had my reasons for some things I've done, the joy of doing so was its foundation and many things sprouted from it." He said with nostalgia as satella reminisces with him.

Satella: "mhm... us two, volcanica, echidna, raid, Alec... we accomplished many things that made the world as it is today huh?" She said as Flugel nods while Subaru slowly frowns.

Subaru: "then what about shaula?... why did you treat her as you did?" He said making Flugel stiffen before slowly grimacing as satella frowns.

Flugel: "... right, shaula... I admit I could've done better, I acted as I should've at first but when things happened further on... my whole focus shifted to other things, even so I did try to make her independent which sorta succeeded... but unfortunately she was very attached to move on from me and be her own person."

Envy: "too attached..." she said coming out before satella slaps herself slightly.

Satella: "quiet, despite her looks her mentality was young then..." she said regaining control as subatu was a bit concerned as Flugel waves his hand.

Flugel: "don't worry, envy won't act as we're both in her presence at the fear of seeing us both very upset, more so you currently." He said as Subaru gives an unsure nod before continuing.

Subaru: "That still doesn't make it right! She was stuck in the watchtower alone for centuries, now she's just a small scorpion mabeast with no recollection of who she once was! Meili's taking good care of her currently... despite my situation." He said, gritting his teeth with anger before it turned into pain as Flugel nods.

Flugel: "hm... she wouldn't be the first creation I failed to take care of." He said as Subaru silently listens with satella looking down a bit before he sighs with regret.

Flugel: "... when certain incidents started happening and I went through with certain regrettable actions which had caused their own problems, a child of satella and mine- your ancestor and then deciding to safely send him somewhere back within japan for safety, things weren't ever the same especially the failures... along with the realisation I was going to become some sort of god from many certain views, I made sure none would know or properly recall so there would be nothing for them to go on, and then... I decided to rest in that very crystal corridor only few know about." He said sombrely as satella gave a sad frown as Subaru frowns a bit.

Subaru: "the corridor of memories... then you soon got into contact with Od somehow and began overseeing the corridor alongside them." He said as flugel nods.

Flugel: "correct. After all Od isn't a person, but the very world itself: the mana and life making a large chunk of it... I studied it a long time alongside many with other things, which helped in my first interaction with it- which lead to my spirit's current duties and position... I'll have to go back there soon, can't stay long or there could be problems as Od left certain things in my hands, and everything there is important." He said as Subaru nods, causing a moment of silence before he sighs.

Subaru: "... if you oversaw the corridor of memories, you'd also know what I've been through and already know what's already happened... so why help now?" He said as Flugel sighs, looking to satella before looking back to him.

Satella: "unfortunately due to certain factors and restrictions we can't exactly explain everything or do much without consequence- especially Flugel, but we can say and do some things that could help with our current predicament." She said as Subaru sighs with some anger, annoyed by that but partly understands while seeing this as his best shot.

Subaru: "... alright... what is it?..." he said with a frown.

Flugel: "Considering this wasn't supposed to happen things have already altered course, so  I've delayed certain events and to ensure the safety of the one's you care for, satella and thankfully envy with some hesitation have been guiding Louis a bit who's now currently in the care and watch of rem and the rest of the Emilia camp... so you shouldn't worry about yourself not being present there to assist and protect." He said confusing him a bit while making him a bit relived.

Subaru: "you mean satella has been helping spica? Well, I'm glad that everyone will be fine... wait, 'delay certain events'? Does that mean with your position you can see the... Does that means you knew-!" He said happy before soon becoming angry knowing Flugel had knowledge of the future and had an idea he knew this would happen.

Satella: "He didn't... this is based on the knowledge given by the corridor of memories and through Od, besides no future is set on a certain path." She said seriously as Flugel nods.

Flugel: "indeed, this conundrum has shown that the unexpected can still happen and change things... not to mention Od can also act on itself randomly with certain objects or individuals." He said, also being serious as Subaru was silent before giving a long huff of annoyance.

Subaru: "You know... I'd group you with satella/envy and echidna with those I'm least favourable with among the dead I've met, especially with how you are probably going to talk cryptically like both have done without explaining the full thing." He said with an annoyed look as Flugel shrugs with a small smile.

Flugel: "I don't mind, considering everything along with the fact that our family is complicated in multiple ways- which you now have an idea about." He said as Subaru gave a small hum at that.

Subaru: "so... what's gonna happen with me?"

Flugel: "well we can't exactly get you out of that cell as it would cause problems, so you'll unfortunately be staying for a while... but since we're here, I'll get envy to agree with satella for you to have an authority of envy that'll fully settle into you in your time there." He said surprising the two with satella also being worried.

Satella: "a-are you sure dear? I-I'm not sure if she'll go berserk or not." She said as Flugel smiled.

Flugel: "don't worry, she won't if I'm requesting it and he's receiving it... have to say that veil of yours is a nice asset, as it lets us see your face and covers it from others." He teased making her blush as some more miasma leaks out of her while Subaru was confused.

Subaru: "Wait- an authority of envy? But I thought that-" he said before satella gestures him to be quiet as he quickly realised what he was accidentally going to trigger.

Satella: "That's... a complicated topic, but the authority envy and I think will most likely suit you is-" she said before cutting herself off as her vail falls, envy having completely taken over causing surprise.

Flugel: "Envy? Why have you suddenly taken over..." he said before going quiet as Subaru to feel off before feeling as if he couldn't breath and then caught up water... and can't stop.

Flugel: "Shit! Envy, give his authority and force him up quickly!" He said realising the situation, but envy looks to him with her usual stoic expression.

Envy: "I love you." She said as Flugel grunts.

Flugel: "cmon envy, you know I'll need to go back soon!"

Envy: "... I love you." She said as there was silence before he sighs.

Flugel: "alright... 1 extra minute, Not a second more! Now do it!" He said as envy complies.

Envy then manifests and launches a small dark purple miasma hand which had the mark of envy on it as it goes into Subaru who was still throwing up water, before a larger hand follows after and Hits- throwing him away while he kept spewing water while he could manage to see envy attach herself to Flugel before he blacks out.

Currently in the prison tower, back at lugunica's royal capital:

Within prison tower's chambers, Subaru's head was pushed into a tub of water by some prison guards as they have some fun over it... until Subaru's body sprung into overdrive and quickly grabs the tub's edges before throwing himself back, the guards loosing their grip on him while his back bashes onto the wall and slides down, coughing out water and blood as tears fell from panic as he soon catches his breath and looks to the laughing guards.

"Well would you look at that, our pride archbishop's finally awake!"

"Oh don't you worry, despite this we would've made sure you were still alive... at least for now, don't worry about dehydration anymore!" They said while some continue laughing while he grits his teeth in anger, knowing there was worse to come.

_______

About a month after imprisonment:

If there was something he wanted Emilia to also Improve if she won the candidate selection, it was now how prisoners were treated, sure he knows prisons were harsh in his old world and learned that medieval ones were worse... but this... this was way worse.

The guards stationed there could only be described as those who'd deserve a good beating, they hurt and insulted prisoners as they wished, gave Not much food and water which is an understandable idea as it weakens the prisoner down but it was as if they wanted to torture him more with near starvation and dehydration... just barely enough to keep maintaining the body, due to that when in his near death state he is able to visit the shadow garden and interact with satella/envy along with Flugel at times, getting to know a bit more about his two very great ancestors and how they are and act.

Julius and Felix came often to try and get something from him along with all a few times, both together, in duo's or individually. Al despite his attitude and his... very obvious hidden mental instability (though he can't exactly complain considering himself) is someone he could see as a normal prison guard from his world in some ways, Julius to him has reverted back to how he first saw him... maybe even worse, ferris... his protectiveness of Crusch who is recovering from her dragon blood curse and need for payback had given him a worse look and cemented his dislike, and Wilhelm who joined him a few times acted very harsh with focus, despite their past friendship... he couldn't help but feel some disappointment.

.

.

.

Now coming towards subaru's cell with permission, rem was thinking to herself while seeming irritated by a certain smell as she rubs her nose with annoyance before huffing.

Rem: that disgusting stench, why does such a thing exist?... hm, what am I doing? There's no point, he could be lying... but again...

Rem: "um... ram?"

Ram: "it's alright if you call me sister rem, what is it?"

Rem: "r-right... s-sister, do you recall who told that I was your sister after being forgotten?"

Ram: "ah, well... hm... I-it's quite fuzzy unfortunately, then again it's almost been two years. Once I remember I'll come and tell you personally."

Rem: it wasn't only ram... nobody seemed to remember who told who I was to them, yet he does and states he cared much for me and the rest... but why did I go alone, I could've brought the rest...!

Spica: "wow!"

Rem: "huh? You're... worried about that man spica?"

Spica: "Wow wow wow!"

Rem: right, spica was really worried for him... despite how he acted first he did quickly from a bond with her as did I... despite the bump knowing she was part of the group who made me like this... fine, let's see if he can give me something useful at least.

She collects herself and opens the door, proceeding into his cell as she thinks on how he would be before getting into view and stiffens at the disturbing sight: Subaru looked depressed, broken and beaten with his body having less fat, his clothes being worn out while he was both physically and mentally in pain and anguish with some visible blood on his body as part of his shoulder was bleeding a bit.

Rem: "w... w-what happened...?" She said with visible uncomfort as Subaru hears her voice and looks up weakly to see her while coughing a bit.

Subaru: "o-oh... rem, s-sorry for the appearance... the prison guards decided to m-mess with me a bit... g-guess it's how they treat supposed archbishops-s-s-" he said before coughing a bit again as rem, despite being informed on how prisoners were treated didn't expect this.

Rem: "your bleeding... and have fractures..." she said with concern.

Subaru: "it's to be expected... c-can't say I don't deserve some..." he weakly said, making her grit her teeth uncouncious before giving a ruff huff as she went to him.

Rem: "I cannot believe I'm doing this..." she said kneeling to him before she starts healing up his injuries, as he's surprised by the action as his eyes water slightly.

Subaru: "r-rem...? Why are you-"

Rem: "Don't think I'm doing this without some form of compensation, spica is worried for you and you say you knew who I once was... so tell me, or else." She said as she looks to him seriously, surprising him as he gave a small weak smile.

Subaru: "alright... but on one condition." He said as she scoffs.

Rem: "if it's to break you out, then don't even bother-"

Subaru: "it's not... j-just don't let it take control of your actions and learn from them, and keep looking after spica and the rest of the Emilia camp." He said catching her by surprise Before she nods.

Rem: "I can agree to that... so, what do you know about me?" She said as his smile widens with happy nostalgia.

Subaru: "w-well, you were very brave... I saw you fight a pack of mabeasts that were attacking near arlam as I assisted, even braver when fighting to protect those you care for, i-I still see that now." he said as she listens closely.

Rem: "hm... what else?"

Subaru: "you were able to take care of many chores at Roswaal's old mansion by yourself almost each day from what I've seen, a-and your cooking was great... you and I even tried making mayonnaise- a sauce from my homeland." He said as she expressed some intrigue.

Rem: "I did that much? You certain this isn't just exaggeration?"

Subaru: "I'm not... though I suppose waking up each day seeing you beside my bed after the mabeast incident would sound as such..." he said with a sweatdrop as rem narrowed her eyes annoyed.

Rem: "you can't be serious..."

Subaru: "I-I'm being serious! Really, almost each day!"  He said as she sighs at knowing that.

Rem: "why on earth would I do such a thing...?" She said as Subaru grew somber.

Subaru: "I... never got the opportunity to properly ask..." he said sadly as rem hears this and grimaced at that... before calming herself and becomes serious once again.

Rem: "I see... well? What else do you know about me?" She asked snapping him back to reality.

Subaru: "r-right! Well you and your sister had a signature pose and greeting when together, you also liked-" he said as he went on to say more on what he knew about her while she listened closely... having a weird feeling that unknowingly developing through this.

Rem: Is he just as much a victim too? were we... really this close once before...?

A few days later after the visit:

Rem was now currently walking through the streets of the royal capital buying certain things that the camp had asked for along with some things for her own reasons, making note of certain places as this will be her last time doing so before it was time to head back while thinking to herself, having learned things of her old self from him while getting the idea that she and him were once close seeing how he talked and recalling their time together with spica in vollachia.

Rem: there, that should cover it... ngh, can't stop thinking since he and I talked or what he's said and implied, but still, could they be lies...? well, spica will be glad to know our talk...

She continued on with what she was doing for a few minutes before coming across a familiar red haired knight: Reinhard, who appeared to have a moment of free time as he was buying some appa's for himself as rem was surprised while unconsciously shaking a bit at his presence.

Rem: "that red haired guy... he's lugunica's hero that's the knight of the felt camp, Reinhard right?... he's known to have many divine protections among the things known about him... it's not unusual for opposite camps to interact or assist each other so maybe he could..." she said to herself as she's silent for a moment before seeing he was beginning to leave and acts on impulse.

Rem: "e-excuse me?" She said, stumbling a bit as Reinhard heard and looks to see her, giving a friendly smile.

Reinhard: "ah, how nice to see you rem, I see you're here to collect things to bring back to the Emilia camp?" He said as she nods nervously.

Rem: "y-yes... I... I have a favour to ask of you." She said catching his attention with some surprise.

Reinhard: "what's the favour you need?" He said listening as she shakenly sighs.

Rem: "I-it involves the recently captured pride archbishop... I-i need your assitance with the Devine blessings you have in knowing if he's lying or not." She said surprising him as he's uncertain.

Reinhard: "so interrogation...? I'm usually busy due to my duity's along with being miss felts knight currently, I'm also not very comfortable or the best in that type of field despite my blessings." He said with thought as rem looks bothered before doing a slight bow.

Rem: "please help... there could be a chance he was falsely convicted and is a victim to gluttony like myself." She said catching his attention.

Reinhard: "so you suspect he's innocent?" He said as she looks uncertain before taking a breath and becoming serious.

Rem: "despite what's happened between us after I awoke, he helped spica and I and made sure of our safety within vollachia until help came and spoke as if he was friends with us including you- even being close with me and few others... I at least owe him to do this, spica also thinks he's not a bad person so I want to trust her intuition." She said as Reinhard was taken aback by hearing that he also considered him a friend... but after listening to everything he's makes his decision.

Reinhard: "... very well, take me to where he's currently held."

A few minutes later, within the prison tower:

Within his cell Subaru's body appeared to be a bit more alive thanks to rem's healing, despite the obvious beat up look and his mental state as he was leaning against the wall listening to some faint wildlife with a somber look before hearing the door open and looks to see a familiar face enter and smiles a bit.

Subaru: "r-rem, didn't think you'd return so quick... r-Reinhard? nice to see you!" He said surprised with some happiness as Reinhard was surprised by the response.

Rem: "though I'd like to know more of the old me, I haven't come to do that today... and as you can see I've brought someone." She said seriously as Reinhard goes and kneels to him.

Reinhard: "hello, I'm Reinhard van Astraea, though I don't recall us meeting... from what I've heard along with your own words, we were good friends from what I understand?" He said as Subaru nods with some surprise.

Subaru: "w-we were and I'm Subaru Natsuki, though due to an incident at Pleiades watchtower we were separated and I was sent to vollachia alongside rem and spica... I-i haven't seen you since then so it's nice to see you fine." He said as Reinhard didn't detect a lie to his surprise and nods with a smile.

Reinhard: "I see, so we're really friends... appa?" He said handing him a spare appa as Subaru gladly takes it and takes a bite, swallowing it while rem watches closely.

Subaru: "thanks... f-food isn't really the best here, even for maintaining the body." He said appreciating it, eating a bit more as Reinhard becomes serious.

Reinhard: "Subaru... I wish to ask you certain important questions, I want you to answer each one of them honestly understand?" He said as Subaru listens and nods, understanding this will help him with his innocence.

Subaru: "I understand, s-so what questions do you wish to ask?" He said as Reinhard takes a moment before they finally begin.

Reinhard: "just to make sure, your name is Subaru Natsuki correct?"

Subaru: "yes it is." He said nodding.

Reinhard: "your current age?"

Subaru: "18."

Reinhard: "how long have you seen us both as friends?"

Subaru: "around the same day we had first met in lugunica." He said as Reinhard cracked a slight smile before refocusing.

Reinhard: "you had met and were friendly with those being involved in any way of the royal selection?"

Subaru: "yes."

Reinhard: "were you part of the Emilia camp?"

Subaru: "I was, i-I had met Emilia on the same day as you and after an incident she took me back to her camp's residence then... and I still see myself as part of it despite them forgetting and now thinking otherwise." He said seriously as Reinhard grew more serious.

Reinhard: "so you also must also know of felt and rom then... now for the last 3, were you miss Emilia's knight?"

Subaru: "yes... despite the complications I caused..." he said catching their interest.

Reinhard: "complications?" He said as Subaru looked very uncomfortable before sighing.

Subaru: "... due to certain reasons and how my mind was back then at the time, i-I had acted alone and messed things up badly, straining our relationship." He said rem lifts a brow.

Rem: "this is the first time I've heard you mention something bad about yourself." She said as he appeared slightly embarrassed.

Subaru: "h-hey, everyone messes up- doesn't mean we like to talk about it!" He said before Reinhard gestures him to continue as he became somber.

Subaru: "but after that embarrassment... things happened and I went on a downward spiral, I couldn't see myself being able to save anyone for what came next and only thought of myself as nothing but a disgrace, then when I was at my lowest... rem saved me." He said tearing up as both were surprised.

Rem: I... saved him...?

Subaru: "She comforted and said the words that gave me the reason to pick myself back up and keep pushing forward, I-i admit looking back on it I should've worded some things better... but I can never forget that moment. Afterwards we helped defeat white whale and a few others went with me to defeat the sloth archbishop planning to attack the Emilia camp territory... b-but at the cost of Crusch getting her memories eaten and rem being forgotten along with a few others who were transporting the white whale's corpse." He said shedding some tears as Reinhard frowned with rem gritting her teeth, silently upset.

Reinhard: "I remember the report of the incident, but I dont recall your name mentioned... then again... what happened after?" He as Subaru sighed.

Subaru: "the sanctuary incident occurred, it wasn't a great experience, especially since it was just right after what happened... but we all came together and managed to get through it, then I officially became Emilia's knight after." He said as Reinhard nods.

Reinhard: "I see... next, why does your body emit the stench of witch miasma?" He said as Subaru grunts annoyed.

Subaru: "I didn't ask to have the smell... but I suppose it's there because if my authority." He said catching their attention.

Reinhard: "you have an authority?"

Subaru: "more than one actually, each one having different abilities and restrictions... only common thing is that I didn't exactly ask for any, there's also others who have authorities that aren't part of the cult but it's rare from what I know." He said surprising rem as Reinhard nods.

Reinhard: "right, I have come to know of few due to my position... now, finally: are you part of the witch cult." He said as there was silence before subaru gave a glare filled with anger and hate.

Subaru: "I will never be a part of something that cares nothing of others and cause only pain, especially with what they've done to those I care for... including ME."

With that, his answer caused rem to have a confused feeling of Deja-vu along with unknown understanding as Reinhard was silent... before expressing a saddened frown.

Reinhard: "An understandable response... thank you for your time, but you understand I will also have to inform the candidate I'm knighted too about our interaction." He said standing up and going beside rem as Subaru nods.

Subaru: "I-i understand... and thanks for coming, it was good to see you... y-you as well rem!" He said making Reinhard smile sadly as rem hums.

Rem: "Reinhard has duties to attend and I must prepare for my return to the Emilia camp tomorrow, so we'll be going." She said as both stary to leave.

Subaru: "alright... stay safe..." he said sombrely as there leave his cell area and close the door, with rem quickly looking to Reinhard fully focused.

Rem: "Well?... was there any lie...?" She said as her voice grew quiet seeing Reinhard frown and saddened expression as he looked back to her, as his answer caused her to freeze from dread.

Reinhard: "none of it... There wasn't a single lie said..."

Chapter Text

In the weeks that came after, despite the usual try's at forced interrogation and his treatment from the prison guards within the tower, Reinhard had made some more visits while also solidifying the truth of his answers as he repeated certain questions from that day to him at times- with no lie still being detected.

Then came the day that some of the Emilia camp had once again come to the capital for a few reasons, which included once again interrogate him without much result to their irritation along with the rest who tried, but overtime Garfiel and ram were more forceful with Emilia being peaceful along with Otto who joined at time while Roswaal... obviously did nothing and just wanted it to be over as he saw him nothing more than a nuisance which subaru sorta expected from him, though a unexpected yet nice surprise that came later that same day was welcomed.

About nearly 2 months since imprisonment:

A weak, pained, physically and emotionally beaten up Subaru was still sitting in his cell, with his clothes more worn out and having visible stains along with half being that of blood, silently listening for the slightest bit of noice while trying to his best to lessen the pain. He kept silent until hearing the door to his cell open and weakly looks before seeing a familiar face rush in to his surprise.

Subaru: "s... s-spica?" He said as spica notices him and becomes happy.

Spica: "wow Wow!" She said before using leaper, teleporting onto his lap and hugs him as Subaru grunts with pain before giving a small smile, happy to see her as he notices rem following after and kneels down near the two.

Rem: "she was eager to see you when we had arrived... but to avoid complications I decided to bring her alone with me, everyone at the camp is being looked after." She said as Subaru smooths spica's head.

Subaru: "i-I see, thanks... I'm also h-happy to see you both too." He said rem kept her stoic look.

Spica: "wow! Wow..." she responded with some sadness.

Rem: "she was really worried about you, despite what the others at camp thought including me..." she said as Subaru frowns

Subaru: "I suppose we never r-really had a last interaction before I was... hm..." he said grimacing, coughing a bit soon after as spica hugs him tighter.

Spica: "wow... wow..." she said as Subaru looks to her along with rem.

Subaru: "you... y-you feel partly responsible for me being put here?" She said as she parts, looking to him nodding while tearing up as he softens before patting her head.

Subaru: "spica... this isn't your fault, i-I can understand how you feel that way because of who you were before, but that doesn't apply to who you are now... you didn't e-eat my name, I can vouch on it." He said as she hugs him again, making him wince in pain and cough slightly... but he's fine with it.

Spica: "wow! Wow!" She said shedding some tears as he gives a small sad smile with Rem's look softening at the sight.

Rem: "... she'll rest easier now." She said as Subaru nods before noticing that she kept staring.

Subaru: "h-hey spica, I think rem is getting jealous that your h-hugging me more than her~" he said stifling a cough as rem is surprised.

Rem: "e-eh?! What are you even talking- gah!" She yelped as she caught spica who hugged her.

Spica: "WOW!!" She said as rem then began smoothing her hair while giving Subaru a glare as he gave a weak chuckle.

???: "So this is the one that was labelled the pride archbishop?... no offence, but with what I just saw my view on those idiot higher ups are more proven!" Said a familiar voice as they look to see felt who had arrived with Reinhard.

Rem: "m-miss felt? What are you doing here?" She said surprised.

Felt: "Well, when this idiot here informed me of his talk with with the guy in chains I was interested, but when kept telling of each meeting like a broken record I told him to bring me here personally." She said with annoyance as he sighs.

Reinhard: "it's my duty as your knight to inform you of my visits with those convicted lady felt, it would go against protocol not doing so." He said making her mad.

Felt: "Then make a note of it and hand it to me, not constantly say so each in my ear!" She said annoyed as rem sweatdrops with spica looking confused, until they hear weak chuckles and look to see it was from Subaru.

Subaru: "hehe... g-good to see you haven't changed felt..." he said surprising her a bit before recalling things Reinhard had said and goes to kneel beside him.

Felt: "so... you're Subaru Natsuki, huh? You had met me and old man rom on the same day we met Emilia and Reinhard, and helped us with the bowel hunter?" She said as Subaru nods with a frown, recalling some bad memories.

Subaru: "i-I had more encounters with Elsa after along with the rest of the Emilia camp, not to mention she got a lucky hit on me to which i was healed and placed in Emilia's care...  but you can't properly remember now c-cause of gluttony, yet even so my first encounter with her always s-sticked... always." He said as he recalled his very first death, with felt softening at that as the incident left an impact on her also... as Elsa had hurt rom badly which caused some nightmares.

Felt: "So we really met... and I was close to both you and big sis Emilia, you both were friends?" She said as Subaru winced at that, sadly recalling good memories as his eyes water.

Subaru: "y-yeah...w-we were close friends, rem was also a close friend, I was friends with the whole Emilia camp... b-but now..." he said as she began shedding some tears as the rest frown, each having a different level of feeling bad.

Spica: "wow..."

Felt: "hm... you were also there during the pristella cult attack, correct?" She said as he nods.

Subaru: "y-yeah... Reinhard and I went to save Emilia from regulus: the archbishop of greed, we fought and managed to d-defeat him after I managed to figure out his authority and stop its use with help from Emilia-a-" He said before having a small coughing fit as felt thinks before looking to Reinhard.

Felt: "oi, knight!" She said catching Reinhard's full attention.

Reinhard: "yes, lady felt?" He said as she smirks.

Felt: "free this guy, I want him part of my camp!" She said shocking everyone.

"H-huh?!"

Spica: "wow?"

Rem: "I-is she being serious?!"

Felt: "well he ain't what others believe him to be, plus he could strategise along with old man rom and help us out big time!" She said smirking as Reinhard sweatdrops.

Reinhard: "lady felt, it's not that easy to just do so... considering how the others think of you currently especially the nobility, they could use this to kick you out of the candidacy. As for asking permission on his custody or release it would take time and the agreement of multiple higher ups." He said as she groans annoyed.

Felt: "Then what is the first step to that then?!" She said causing rem to sweatdrop while spica tilts her head before the hear an amused huff and look back to Subaru.

Subaru: "I appreciate it, b-but... I'll be staying with the Emilia camp as her knight, even if they've currently forgotten." He said surprising them.

Rem: "why do so...?" She said as he gave her a kind smile.

Subaru: "m-maybe things will permanently change between us... but when everyone's memories return, I-i know there will be problems so I want to help with the fallout... not to mention i still have obligations to fulfill and promises to keep." He said as rem still doesn't fully understand why he'd do this while felt grumbles and Reinhard smiles.

Reinhard: "that's a very loyal and honourable thing to do subaru, despite the treatment you've been given." He said as Subaru just huffs giving a small smile.

Subaru: "n-not exactly, though I can't deny that I have loyalty... but if what gluttony has eaten still hasn't returned on the chance I'm let out, I don't mind in a-assisting your camp to gain favour and achievements to help you win as your goal is to make the lives of e-everyone better and more equal." He said as felt hums, smirking with some pride as she's happy to hear another supports her despite their claim to helping another camp.

Felt: "hehe, another supporter and helper is always a plus... hm, well I'm still gonna try free you anyways." She said surprising him.

Subaru: "h-huh? B-but we-"

Felt: "but nothing, despite what you're seen as- from how I currently see things you're just another unfortunate guy who those idiot higher ups left to rot. Like you said: I wanna be ruler so I can end that, so why not make more proof of it?" She said as Subaru tears up slightly.

Reinhard: "I'm with lady felt, I'll assist in trying to have you freed from confinement or at least placed in better conditions." He said in agreement as rem sighs while spica smiled.

Spica: "wow!"

Rem: "well, spica will also want to know how you are... so I'll also be keeping a close eye on you if you're released." He said as Subaru sheds some tears, seeing that despite his current predicament there were those he was once good friends with who would come to help him out.

Subaru: "I-i... th-thank you..." he said, despite their different views they understood he really appreciated this from them as he wipes his tears.

Rem: "hm... if you wish to know, spica has been learning and training herself and her authority in her time at the camp, many have become friendly with her and she's starting to pick up." She said smoothing spicas head with a small smile, causing Subaru to give one of his own.

Spica: "wow wow!"

Subaru: "I'm glad to hear that... spica, we are counting on you to bring back the names and memories of everyone, I know you'll be able to with time." He said encouraging her as she giggles before looking to rem and... speaks, surprising everyone, especially two.

Spica: "m... m-mama..."

Rem: "eh?" She said as spica then looks to a surprised Subaru.

Spica: "p... p-papa..."

Subaru: "eh?" He said as there was silence until both become flustered.

Both: "EH?!?!" They yell as felt laughs at the unexpected words while Reinhard is still surprised.

About 2 and a half months since imprisonment:

Subaru's time being imprisoned continued as normal with some forced interrogation along with rem, spica, felt and Reinhard coming to visit, despite felt and reinhards try's to get him released or moved with some assistance with others in her camp, due to how the higher ups saw her and her camp, the nobility (for obvious reasons), and other factors they were getting nowhere and at times instantly denied on the topic.

Despite his obvious annoyance at this along with the others, their times together helped him and from his recent talk with Reinhard he heard that the candidate camps were gathering at the royal capital once again for a meeting, along with Pricilla's camp gathering up as it was heard she was going to return to vollachia once again despite some protest from them, including Al.

Now, a more weakened, rough and beaten looking Subaru was currently sitting against his cell wall resting in silence before shifting awake hearing a noise, he becomes more awake after hearing more noises before seeing a pebble go through the small gap that helped shine some sunlight into his cell with a cough.

Subaru: "t-the heck?"

Felt: "psst! Quickly, over here!" She said quietly as Subaru recognised it was felt as he goes to look through the gap with some struggle, his chains restricting his movements.

Subaru: "f-felt? How-?"

Felt: "surprised? old man rom told me of places around the capital that are great for sneaking around, cool huh?"

Subaru: "w-why are you doing so? Does Reinhard-?" He said as she rolls her eyes.

Felt: "yes knight knows about this, despite his hesitance on me doing it. As for why, I've come to tell that us both will be coming to you right after the meetings over tomorrow along with rem and spica who'll quickly come after knowing they're alone for an important talk. We'll discuss it more tomorrow." She said as he nods.

Subaru: "I see, thanks for informing... wait felt, before you go- quick talk?"

Felt: "sure, what about?"

Subaru: "it's Reinhard... j-just, be a bit more easygoing with him would you? He hasn't had it great." He said annoying her at first before gaining her interest.

Felt: "what do you mean? Knight looks just fine from what I've seen." She said as Subaru frowns.

Subaru: "his f-family situation... isn't exactly great from what I know, his mother is cursed to sleep and I heard he also got d-disowned during the pristella counterattack with his dad now seeing him as an e-enemy." He said before coughing a bit catching her by surprise.

Felt: "seriously? I knew it was bad but not THAT bad, why didn't he mention a thing about it?!"

Subaru: "well, f-from what I know Reinhard didn't have a great upbringing... I don't even think he knows how to properly speak of his own p-problems to others for help. So please g-go more easy on him, maybe even try help him through and l-lighten him?" He said as felt blinks now having found that out before looking down in thought.

Felt: "oh... th-thanks for telling me, I-I'll think about it- crap! Guards are coming around, gotta go!" She said as they say their goodbyes before she quickly leaves without being spotted, Subaru then slowly goes to sit against the wall once again and after a long moment of silence speaks to himself after some coughing.

Subaru: "th-that was a nice small surprise, wonder how those two will improve... hm... I wonder what her, Reinhard, rem and spica wish to talk about-?"

[Envy: "I love you."]

Silence... that's what suddenly came to be as Subaru's words had been cut off right then and there as new information suddenly came into his mental possession, and from his expression filled with frozen shock and panic with tears soon beginning to fall from his eyes... it wasn't at all something good. 

Subaru: ".... Ah... a-ah.... A-ahhh-ahhhh..." he musters uncontrollably as his hands unconsciously move to parts of his body, resting on his head and face for a moment before-

Subaru: "Ahh!! Ahhhh!!! Haaaa!!" He responds unconsciously making loud noises ,bolting onto his feet hyperventilating while his chains rattle and restrain his movements as he was reacting with much miasma emanating from his body before-

Subaru: "Ahh- Hhh- Ahhh-!!!" His voice cuts off and continues multiple times, appearing to have unlocked his envy authority as he begins disappearing and reappearing around his cell while trying to calm himself down with his chains rattling loudly from his thrashing movements.

This kept going as one of his eyes glowed amber while the other glowed red, leaving a trail as he still teleports about before he soon goes silent as due to his adrenaline filled break down- he messed up his wrists and heels as his restraints had ripped into his skin and he was now bleeding heavily before slumping onto the ground, slowly bleeding out as his panic had also over exhausted his very weak, rough and beaten body.

Subaru: "... a-ahh... a-Ah..." he musters trying his best to breathe as he was dying once again, as he hears the noise of the door opening before hearing a guard enter.

"What's with the noise...! T-the hell-?!" They say surprised and panicked as Subaru couldn't hear more as he soon died once again, with emotional pain being more prominent to him than his physical.

[Envy: "I love you."]

Subaru once again found himself against his cell wall, hyperventilating as he quickly goes to put both his hands together and grips them tightly, slowly calming himself down as tears fell from his eyes before slumping into the wall and looks up to the ceiling with a broken look as he took a deep breath while gritting his teeth.

Subaru: "a-at times... w-why?... j-just, why...?!" He quietly muttered to himself in devastation as he was still trying to calm down.

The next day:

Subaru silently waited in his cell as it was dead quiet, with him frowning hard while looking very bothered as he had received something only he could receive, having small coughing fits at times before finally hearing the door opening as he looks to see the 4 arriving, as both groups of two had gathered together before coming to see him.

Reinhard: "good day to you Subaru, how-... is everything alright?" He said as when they all saw Subaru each one was surprised by his depressed appearance.

Subaru: "th-things haven't been fine since my name was eaten... b-but I suppose things were a little rougher for me y-yesterday a bit after felt left." He said coughing a bit.

Rem: "well, you do look and smell worse than normal..." she said scrunching her nose a bit as spica goes to him.

Spica: "you're very hurt papa... will things be okay?..." she said sadly, having focused more on how to speak properly so more would understand her while she's been training.

Subaru: "I k-know spica... but it'll be f-fine... so what's the important thing you want to s-speak with me about for felt to sneak by to v-visit yesterday?" He said as felt gives a small smile.

Felt: "well, considering how things have gone trying to free you and almost at time feeling like it would be more efficient trying to talk with a wall... after getting a little idea and looking through the rules and laws a bit, we got something... and it includes busting you out of here." She said as he looks to them with surprise.

Subaru: "w-wait, w-what-t-!!" He said before having a small coughing fit before they continue.

Spica: "yep! Even mama had agreed on it after some thought, wow!" She said smiling to rem while rem just gave a frown and neutral look.

Rem: "I'm not entirely with it, but as you wish to help him I want to make sure you'll be alright and not get injured along with the idiot." She said as Subaru gave a very small smile before they continued.

Reinhard: "so have I, despite my dislike that this will be bending and breaking some laws." he said having some doubts of his own before felt looked to him annoyed.

Felt: "That's what 'we' won't be here doing that, besides it won't be bending or breaking laws if they don't know it and it's the best time to do this as there's less guards about and we've those who know at the camp backing us." 

Subaru: "y-you told others at your camp about me?"

Felt: "only old man rom and those I'm most trusting with." She said as Reinhard sighs.

Reinhard: "it still doesn't feel right..." he said as she sighs annoyed before they look to Subaru.

Felt: "here's the plan: when Reinhard and I leave I'll sneak a little sleeping trick into the guards drinks that'll sedate them and I'll distract  the ones at the castle's front while Reinhard waits going about the town, then after a bit rem will break the chains and her and spica will guide you through a hidden passageway that will lead you to the unguarded castle halls and then drop you off at spot around the back of the castle then separate as not be seen involved." She said while making gestures with her hands.

Felt: "After that you keep moving and sneaky about, those of my camp around that know and notice you will assist in keeping you hidden- then while your at that rem and spic will go to me, I'll call Reinhard, and he'll go right after to 're-capture' you. because of that and while following the rules, we'll be allowed to take you captive back with us and you'll be placed in a more favourable place under our watch." She said hitting her hand smiling confidently.

Spica: "that sounds like a good plan miss felt! Wow!" She said smiling as felt smirks crossing her arms.

Felt: "heh, of course it is! After all old man rom helped me with it and he's a great planner."

Rem: "uh huh... but know that even after this is done, I will still come over to keep a close eye on you along with spica, got it?" She said narrowing her eyes at Subaru who gives a slight smile.

Felt: "so, you wanna get outta here?" She said as they were all waiting for his word.

Subaru: "I..." he said as there was a moment of silence before he gave a sad look.

Subaru: "I-I'm sorry... I'm really thankful that you would g-go that far for me, but I can't..." he said fully surprising the 4 with his reply.

Felt: "eh? What not?!" She said, annoyed as she and others had taken time to plan this while Reinhard stayed silent.

Subaru: "y-your plan is great felt and I so prefer to be someplace better, but... b-but what if something unexpected happens and we're caught? I-it could go bad and I..." he said grimacing before coughing a bit too hard.

Spica: "b-but papa, you'll keep getting hurt more if you stay here!" She said worried as Subaru winces at that before smoothing her head to comfort her.

Subaru: "I-i know... b-but I wouldn't bare it if anyone was hurt... I-I can't risk it... I-i just can't..." he said shedding some tears as spica leans onto him with a small hug as there was silence before Reinhard spoke.

Reinhard: "lady felt, I say we should heed and respect his decision on this." He said as she turns to look at him more annoyed.

Felt: "eh?! Knight...!"

Reinhard: "Subaru is right with there being much risk to this despite the plan being well done, he's taking consideration for unexpected factors and wishes for the safety of each of us... that's why we should follow with it." He said as felt grunts before looking away in thought.

Spica: "b-but..."

Rem: "spica, we will do as he's asked... he is looking out for each of us and wants us all to remain safe, we shouldn't disrespect him by not doing so." She said as spica then nods, Subaru then gives her a small smile before gesturing her to move to rem, which she does as the two hug with both Subaru looking at her softly while giving small glances to one another.

Subaru: "it means a lot, but this is for the best... but don't give up on trying to request my release or movement, I believe you'll get through to them one day." He said with a small sad smile as felt finally gives in with a long sad sigh.

Felt: "fine... I'll drop it for now..." she said, having not fully given up on the option but agreed to drop it until another opportunity presented itself.

Subaru: "thanks, so... would it be alright to know what the meeting you all just had was about?" He said as they then go on to discuss over other topics.

About 3 months since imprisonment:

A weak, pained, slightly starved, tired and beaten up Subaru was having some cuts healed up a bit by rem as she, spica and Reinhard had come to visit him one last time before rem and spica left lugunica along with the rest of the Emilia camp... heading to a familiar place he's come to dislike for obvious reasons.

Subaru: "S-so... your all not going to be around f-for a while?" He said concerned as they nod.

Reinhard: "we are, after Emilia's discussions between vincent vollachia, she has decided to go meet and assist him on a problem with her camp there alongside Pricilla who's already there along with some of her camp, felt and I will also be quite busy so we'll also be occupied- which is why she couldn't make it to tell you, the crush and Anastasia will also be in a similar area." He said as Subaru nods, slightly eased at knowing things will ease up a bit.

Spica: "Don't worry papa, I'll look after mama and everyone else while we're there! Wow!" She said smiling with some determination as Subaru gives a small smile at that.

Subaru: "I know you will spica... a-and I know rem will also do the same..." he said as rem hums.

Rem: "good to see you learned from our time together there." She said as Subaru sweatdrops.

Reinhard: "well, I best go back to assist lady felt and inform her, I wish you all well." He said as they nod with Subaru giving him a small smile.

Subaru: "thanks, s-same to you and the rest also." He said as Reinhard gives a nod and smile before leaving them, Subaru soon going into thought before looking to rem.

Subaru: "say... rem, h-has my miasma scent grown more again?" He said as rem nods with some disgust at the smell.

Rem: "it has... I'm still unsure on how it's grown as you've been stuck here, then again it could be your odour increasing its stench." She said making him sigh as she stops healing and stands.

Rem: "that said, we should also start going back to assist the Emilia camp. Spica, it's time to leave." She said as spica nods slightly saddened before hugging Subaru who hugs back.

Spica: "by papa, we'll be back before you know it! Wow!" She said as he gives a small smile.

Subaru: "look after yourselves now, alright? See you t-two." He said as both part before spica gets up and leaves quickly walking away, with rem following before stopping for a moment.

Rem: "hey... despite what's happened, I-it means a lot that you decided to help look after spica and even tell me pieces of who I was before what happened to me... I-i appreciate it." She said causing Subaru to blush a bit in surprise before giving a smile.

Subaru: "d-don't mention it... despite things spica also mean a lot to me now, both the past and the current you also mean a lot to me and though they see me differently now... I-i still care about the others too. Though I trust you both to take care of yourselves and the rest, vollachia is still very dangerous so please... be safe." He said as there was silence before rem nods.

Rem: "... we will." She said hiding a faint blush of her own before leaving, as subaru once again layed against the wall in silence as he wished them well and preyed for their safety.

_______ 

About three and a half months since imprisonment:

Currently within vollachia's royal capital lupugana:

It had happened... the great disaster that was once for-tolled had finally come to fruition, everything was in chaos as the undead brought back by a ryuzu clone known as sphinx were causing a rampage while the Emilia and Pricilla camps were fighting against them alongside Vincent and other well known figures and fighters of vollachia, as Louis was helping a large amount as she was devouring those undead to make sure they would stop coming back.

As the battle raged on, Pricilla was fighting hard against the sphinx who now had a body similar to echidna and was fighting her along with the undead under her command, Pricilla was starting to go over her limits to a dangerous degree as things were getting more hectic due to the sphinx anger towards her.

Pricilla: "hmph! You could attack and send all the undead in your arsenal, but in the end I shall be the one to strike you down!" She said blocking another attack and slashing some undead, turning them to flames.

Sphinx: "the outcome is still undecided sun princess, debate: required!" She states as Pricilla just gives a proud and confident smile, not afraid on what she was about to do until-

*CRASH*

*EXPLOSION*

A very loud noise was heard by everyone catching their attention as they look to see that there was smoke now coming from part of the crystal castle, causing surprise.

"W-what just happened?! Did a large attack hit the crystal castle?!" Some fighters voices echo from nearby as everyone had heard and noticed with surprise, with Pricilla then using the chance to set some undead ablaze with her sword before being pushed back by an attack from sphinx who glared.

Sphinx: "despite the equal distraction you decided to use it against us and acted, observation: required." She said as Pricilla gives a laugh at that.

Pricilla: "ha! Despite the change in look it still hasn't changed how you act-"

"WHAT THE HELL IS-?!"

Time seemed to destabilise in Pricilla's vision along with many others while the yang sword disappears from her hand, as suddenly the undead around them get flung about, set aflame or explode into pieces quickly as her eyes widen before feeling a burning sensation to her right as her eyes widen to see her arm and part of her body was set aflame before looking back up to the sphinx and now saw that another figure with 3 bright white lights on their head had appeared floating beside her.

As time returned to normal Pricilla makes a loud grunt before summoning the yang sword in her other hand and stabs it into the ground, using it as a support to keep herself up as she looked in surprise while sphinx herself also appeared to be shocked.

Pricilla: "w-what...?!" She said as the flames on her right side die down.

Sphinx: "Y-you... you still live-!"

*FWOOMP*

The figure had bashed the Sphinx away with a simple movement, sending her body flying far away towards the west while also unintentionally putting her in a temporary coma doing so... and unfortunately making her a threat that has only been subdued momentarily.

The floating figure then looks down to where Pricilla is along with a few other places around the area with glowing red eyes fuelled with raging emotion while Pricilla couldn't bring herself to speak from what that's just occurred and has been seen... and the fact they just unintentionally saved her life.

Pricilla: w-who...?

The figure then brings an arm to up as they then make some slight loud movements of metal before turning to the left towards a certain direction and then flies bursting forward, causing a loud noice and some wind pressure as some things and people were knocked back- including Pricilla as the Yang sword dissapear and she falls onto her back.

"M-MISS PRICILLA!!" She heard some voices shout as the sound of footsteps grew louder, before having gone unconscious from going over her limits to a large degree along with the new injuries and probable scar she's just sustained.

Sometime later, within Subaru's cursed mental space/The shadow garden:

Once again in a near death state, Subaru was now sitting on some grey grass, conversing with both satella and flugel who sat together opposite him while miasma flowed about the place and actively avoided Flugel.

Subaru: "I don't mind having a moment to not feel pain... but being in a near death state isn't exactly great overall." He said sighing Before looking to satella in thought.

Subaru: "... I never got to properly ask before, but now having gotten to know more things and that your... M-my ancestor, I have to know: why did envy decide bring me and not one of my family before me? only both her and you working together could bring me to this world without problems." He said as satella was silent, collecting her thoughts before answering.

Satella: "Envy can be complicated, even more with how some of my own feelings influence and connect to her despite our incompatibility... you're the only one besides flugel she's been this much attached to, despite having a slight soft spot for those after him and before you." She said making him somewhat surprised.

Subaru: "seriously...? She's only been like this to flugel and me? I get we kinda look similar, but that still doesn't give me a proper reason on why she decided to bring me from within her obsession... something she sees in both flugel and I." He said seriously as Flugel agrees.

Flugel: "there is sense in that... it's one of the conclusions that adds many things up." He said as then looks up in thought.

Flugel: "before the great disaster where they had to be sealed soon after, while temporarily content within satella despite not being compatible so she could be close to me... the only thing envy was really annoyed by- despite me being around other girls and the witches, was the chlorine smell and attributes of my miasma to the witches. But since you don't have that... maybe she, like satella see's something in you that she can finally obtain." He said as Subaru seems thoughtful on that before both satella and flugel sense something and grow serious.

Satella: "So its time... be ready Subaru." She said confusing him. 

Subaru: "huh?"

Flugel: "Envy, get him going." He said as envy takes over and a burst of dark purple miasma launches Subaru up high into the sky as he screamed before blacking out.

Currently in the prison tower, back at the royal capital:

Subaru had suddenly jolted awake within his cell in startled confusion, before his hearing fully came to him as he heard sounds of a large commotion happening outside while hearing some guards who had voices of concern and panic.

Subaru: "w-what's going on?" He said before he could make out some voices abouve them.

"Th-this is just madness! Just how bad is this?!"

"W-we're currently having the least of it, those further south have it a lot worse!" 

"Give the order to close the gates! we're holding them off but we can't risk it!"

"I-it's just like the stories told of the Demi-human war... s-someone that could bring back the-"

*SOUND OF SOMETHING FALLING*

"W-what's that-?!"

"WATCH-!"

*CRASH*

Subatu winces at the noise before covering his face as something crashes through a wall near his cell as more light energy through the hole, his eyes then adjust as he looks to see a white haired man in skin-tight clothes, with parts of his body completely made of metal along with a metal tail, the man slowly adjusts himself and looks to him before coming over... looking down at him while he looked back with some fear.

???: "...are you Subaru Natsuki?" He said with a mixed voice of normal, metal and robotic as Subaru nervously nods slightly.

Subaru: "y-yes...?" He said weakly before he brought one of his claws back.

Subaru: "w-wait-!"

*CHAIN BREAK*

The man had slashed the chains right right by his cuffs to his surprise as he then hears the chains on his leg cuffs also break and looks to see the man's tail had done them, he then moves his joints about a bit with some stiffness due to the chains having restricted his movements for a while before the man then speaks again.

???: "with our current predicament and timeframe, it's best for your cuffs to be dealt with once we are outside lugunica's royal capital. If I am to collect what's been suggested and prevent further loss to our options, it's advised we leave immediately." He said going to leave before looking back to Subaru who spoke.

Subaru: "w-wait...! why are you h-here...? Why did y-you help me?" He said as the man was silent for a moment.

???: "... I have also experienced and seen unjustified cruelty despite it appearing not as such to many but a few... those things suggest that I do not wish the same upon others." He said as Subaru was surprised, noticing that despite not showing much expression the man did show a bit as he could see some sadness and pain.

Subaru: "I-i see..." he said as he tried to get up only to fail and stumble while the man appears to be scanning him for a moment.

???: "it appears the physical impairment you've sustained along with lacking some certain needed sustenance's your body needs, has caused your body to stop responding to certain basic functions." He said as Subaru winces at each movement he made and coughs.

Subaru: "s-sorry... guess m-my body is more effected f-from my t-treatment here then I thought."

???: "logic dictates the blame falls to those who endorsed this, not to the one who had no say in the matter." He said going behind him and kneels down.

Subaru: "what a-are you doing...?" He said before his body tensed up as he felt one of the man's cold metallic clawed hands press onto his upper back.

???: "Time is of the essence, your movement is essential to our success as such I shall re-vitalise your body using mana with a certain combination of magic. Know that not all injuries or pain will subside, you shall also experience some increase in pain due it's speed so prepare." He said as Subaru grimaces and nods before feeling more pain as the man began.

Subaru: "nnnnggggghhhhhaaaaaa!!"

As the man was quickly re-vitalising Subaru's body, he began further scan his body along with seeing how much mana and miasma he currently had on him and soon became surprised as his eyes widen before becoming serious as he thinks.

???: The amount of miasma is understandable due to knowledge of his heritage, so is the mana. But even so, it's still alarming with the known consequences of that much mana accumulation... with his mana gate being defective and assurance of safety, it's best to syphon some to replenish my own for efficiency.

Soon after some pained noises, Subaru's body had regained the strength needed to move and function properly once more as he stands up, noticing that his body despite its look and clothes was now in much better condition as the man stands up and walks past him.

Subaru: "w-wow! That feels much better...! Thank you." He said looking to the man as he stiffens and looks back expressing some surprise before it disappeared.

???: "...It was only to ensure your capable of movement, now we must proceed to avoid further obstructions." He said as Subaru gave a understanding hum before smiling a bit.

Subaru: "still, thank you." He said as the man soon gave a nod, appearing to be appreciative by the response as both walk through the hole he had created from the crash as Subaru breathed in some fresh air.

Subaru: "nice fresh air, so do you know what the commotion was- HOLY SHIT ZOMBIES ARE REAL?!?!" he said as the got outside before being alarmed at the sight outside.

It was late afternoon and the light the commotion he had heard was from the chaos right before him, civilians were running away to the other side of the capital while many knights and fighters were trying to deal with undead people and monsters that had come from the south and were going through the open gate's or flying over them as magic was thrown everywhere with certain structures collapsing from the fighting and in flames.

???: "The correct term for them here are undead, and from a common trace of mana that's emitting from each they were all brought back recently." He said terrifying him.

Subaru: "y-you mean this is necromancy?!... do you know who did this?"

???: "the main source behind this is known as Sphinx, who is highly adept in such actions and magic." He said catching Subaru by surprise at the name.

Subaru: "sphinx? Like a chimera?"

???: "She is the very first clone and prototype created from the Ryuzu Meyer copy series, despite being seen as the most defective- she was the most rebellious due to her focus to a similar yet different perspective on immortality to her creator." He said shocking Subaru.

Subaru: "She's a ryuzu clone?! But that means... echidna...!" He said before gritting his teeth with some anger as the man looks to him.

???: "that indicates you also have had an encounter?"

Subaru: "her spirit along with the other 7 witches not long after, I have reasons to dislike her... you knew her when she was alive?" He said as the man was in thought at hearing the information before nodding.

???: "I also possess some conflictive thoughts and... feelings of her, it is also well known that like her clumsiness- the things she's involved in have also caused unintentional problems for many others." He said looking back to the chaos as Subaru grunts at that.

Subaru: you can say that again... 

???: "if you wish to leave without much conflict, the current situation presented gives such an opportunity to-"

Subaru: "We aren't, we're going to help them." He interrupted, taking a few steps forward to the edge of a small drop as the man looked to him.

Subaru: "despite the feelings I have for them after everything and for those who have hurt me... I-I'm not just going to leave and let them die, especially those who are just living normal lives, we're going to help them." He said looking back to the man as he soon gives a look of respect.

???: "Then i shall assist the endeavour with the best of my abilities as I too do have a need to avoid unnecessary loss of life. But be advised that this taken action will most likely hinder our leave of the capital." He said as Subaru gives a determined smile and nods.

Subaru: "I know, thats why knowing that not everything entirely changes despite your name getting eaten gives an idea... if I recall when Otto helped me on this, she should hear this somewhat clearly as long she's still within the nation and knowing her she most definitely is." He said before bringing his hands to his mouth and does a long whistle at a certain frequency before stopping.

Subaru: "Hopefully I'm right at least... let's go and save some-" he said before hearing some magic hit the tower as both then look behind them to see that parts of the wall were cracking, with a large chunk soon braking off as it began falling above them as the man raised an arm.

Subaru: "Watch out-!!" He said quickly reacting and leaping onto the man before both disappear and reappear in the air at a distance, over the edge as the man quickly adjusted while Subaru was surprised.

Subaru: "w-wha-?! OoooaaaaAAAAAHHHH-!!!" He yells as he accidentally lets go of the man before teleporting to another location higher nearby as he continues yelling.

Subaru: "W-what the hell am I dooooiiiing?!" He shouts out before he begins teleporting all over the place without control or understanding while going toward the conflict doing so, the man sees him go before focusing on the task.

???: "objectives updated, parameters evaluated, adjusting course for most efficiency... set, safeguard and retrieval prioritised, rage rapidly increasing... Commencing!" He said as his eyes glow red, he controls his decent and slides off a roof before properly landing with a loud heavy thud causing some civilians around him to be surprised.

His head then snaps towards an undead chasing a young teenager as then some small flames burst from certain parts of his body's behind before bursting forward, as a claw goes over the running civilian and right through the undead's body- causing those around to look in shock as then some flame man continues going forward with a burst of flame, grabbing another undead a with his other clawed hand an then spins his body around fully before letting go- causing that undead's body to turn into red paste.

As he does so his other claw within the impaled undead's immediately morphs into a saw, as it turns causing the undead to spin as parts of its body scatter across the place while also hitting other undead nearby before the saw began to spin and fire out multiple small blades, cutting through many undead with some blades exploding as the man fully began his rampage... all the while Subaru was still teleporting about uncontrollably, trying to figure out why.

Subaru: "o-ok! Calm down! calm down! calm dooooown-!!" He said to himself before teleporting a few times avoiding some sharp objects.

Subaru: "e-every time it happens, all my senses are on edge like I'm on adrenaline as if I'm going to die! I-i just need to figure this out- AHHHH-!!!" He said to himself before noticing he was about to collide with a tall pillar and instinctively teleports out the way and appearing on a carriage and slides off its top after taking a moment to breathe while holding his head.

Subaru: "O-ok... alright... it stopped, now I just need to figure out how it properly works so that doesn't happen again- huh?" He said checking himself before hearing some screams and sees 4 undead approaching some civilians who held their children close with one about to strike.

Subaru: "no!" He said rushing towards them before teleporting above that undead's kicks it away, making the civilians surprised along with himself as the undead now focus on him.

Subaru: wait... envy is a covetous wanting feeling so maybe...

Having an idea at how his authority worked and seeing the 4 undead around him about to act, he quickly grabs a sword that the undead he kicked dropped before looking up, seeing a horizontal wooden pole tied to a thick rope above them and then appears up there- showing his theory was correct and quickly slices the rope, crushing the undead.

Subaru: Yes! Despite getting used to it I don't feel much backlash, this'll be very useful! "is everyone alright?!" He said concerned as they quickly nod.

"We are, thank you young man!" One said as others also say their thanks.

"Hold on, aren't you that-"

Subaru: "doesn't matter what I am, keep going north! it's safer there, now move!" He shouts gesturing them to quickly go as they do so with some taking second glances at him as he readies the sword and begins rushing down the street towards the fighting.

Not being able to properly fight in his current condition and having knowledge on zombie movies, Subaru made use of his envy authority and the sword by teleporting behind undead and cutting off their heads with some effort and quickly teleporting away from attacks he couldn't avoid, while also ensuring the safety of some civilians and fighters he met as after cutting off another undead's head ant rushes into an alleyway, teleporting onto the top of a creat stack on the other end and inspects the next street.

Once getting a proper view he sees a guards getting struck down by undead beasts with undead also continuing to beat up some dead bodies as he grunts at the sight in anger, until some loud noises are heard coming from the one end of the street as he looks to see a familiar figure approaching some building walls, collapsed crates and carriages being impaled by blades as a few explode while some caused fire- catching the undead's attention.

???: "Annihilate!!" 

The man began charging down the street as undead bodies or body parts were thrown about, as guts and blood flew everywhere along with many blades he fired from his saws impaling the walls and ground as the man appeared to be skidding about thanks to the wheels implanted on the arch on both feet. The man while he continued firing many blades, used his tail to slash and stab the undead on the ground or those close to ensure their demise before a flying undead beast charged at him from behind, causing his tail's to open and act like a mouth as it clamps hard down on the beasts head.

The man forces the skid from the weight to stop as he full turns his upper body around and morphs his saws back into claws, grabbing and digging into both wings before brutally ripping them off along with his tail crushing the body slightly before he stabs his claws into its head and throws it into some undead- which they then crash into a building as that part of it collapsed onto them. The man's tail then closes back to normal as he then slammed himself into an undead beast and clawing out its insides before avoiding another one's bit and slicing its head into multiple pieces with one hard quick slash from his claw to Subaru's surprise.

Subaru: "Wow, Your like a walking armoury tearing through all that as it was easy!" He said with a slight smile as the man quickly inspects himself while blood dripped and quickly evaporated off his body.

???: "Despite swift change to different armaments, aim and efficiency are still minorly lacking unfortunately. Due to circumstances my body is still recalibrating and adjusting itself, combat appears to quicken the process in certain parts." He said before grabbing a large chunk of debris before throwing it into a few undead, causing them to crash into the same building once again unintentionally before the rest of it collapsed and fully crushed the undead within.

Subaru: poor building... "so your whole body is a living weapon then? Cool! That's so awesome- Cover!!" He shouts bringing himself back behind a building wall as 2 arrows then impaled the building wall in front of him, as the man puts an arm out as wind erupts from it and blows away the ones coming at him- with one managing to hit and bounce off his jaw while the rest impale the undead around the area.

Subaru: "are you alright?" He said with some concern.

???: "affirmative. I'm moving south then turning up north on the next street to cleanse the many undead detected, I shall plot course right back to you after completion." He said making Subaru nod before he looks further south and sees many undead about despite the numbers thinning and then looks to the rooftops.

Subaru: "I won't be able to fight well on the ground like this, so I'll be helping from the rooftops." He said as the man nods before getting back to it as Subaru teleports onto the buildings roof and run across the rooftops- teleporting to buildings he can't reach.

The man keeps causing carnage as he goes through the street, causing those he assisted and helped to be surprised and a bit afraid from the devastation as some undead would also keep their distance- to which few would have blades fired at them from his saws, he followed the path he set while continuing on the destruction until encountering the few left on that street.

The man then impales an undead's with his tail before ripping it off and throws it into another before firing a few blades into an undead beast, kicking it away as it then explodes causing parts of its body to fly about as his saws morph back into claws before stomping on the remaining undead's head and uses his weight wheel to twist their head before crushing it into paste with a thud, he then looks north in a certain direction and moves until coming to a stop at the back of a large building were sounds of a few people were heard at its front.

???: "That device's signal... it has been traced to this commerce guild building." He said before moving forward and busting down the secured door without effort, looking through the room filled with trinkets before his eyes settled on a small device.

???: "hm... advanced technology." He said gentle grabbing it and inspecting it, quickly getting an idea on how it operated and worked while seeing its uses before another enters the room, that being the commerce guild's treasurer: Russell fellow.

Russel: "This is just chaos, least things are starting to calm- what?! You're not allowed to be in here!" He said angrily seeing that the man was stealing something of high quality before stiffening as the man looked to him with his eyes giving a red glow.

Russel: "a-all the things within this room are here from trade, I-if you do not leave I-i will c-call..." he said before becoming more nervous as the man slowly approached and stops in front of him and stares... before bring his sharp tail in front as the end then opens to show a holy coin while gesturing there was more.

Russel: "a-ah, I see... let's do buisness then." He said, trying not to show his relief at the man not killing him before quickly getting to buisness.

Meanwhile Subaru was running across the rooftops while teleporting at times, continuing down south while killing a few undead that managed to get onto the rooftops and helped some guards and civilians on the ground by killing the undead causing trouble using some sneak tactics and the environment, he continued running forward before managing to avoid a wind attack as some tiles flew before quickly blocking a fire blast using the sword, making him burn his hand and lose the sword as he looks to see many flying undead beast's around the area.

Subaru: "crap!" He said as he began running about the rooftops and narrowly avoiding the attacks, teleporting at times before accidentally landing onto a flying undead beast and grabs hold, panicking a bit as it flys up high and shakes about trying to get him off.

He looks about frantically before some blades fly past and hit a some flying undead beasts around him including the one he was on and killing a few, as he looks down to see the man skidding through a torn up street towards them as his arm started glowing a bit with his saws shining before he gestures Subaru to get away with his head and fires many glowing blades.

Subaru eyes widen as he then quickly throws himself off the undead he was to another that came by, making it loose balance before teleporting onto another undead and directs it back with a stomp then teleports again and runs across the undead mabeast and jumps off when reaching his head, as he looks back while falling to see the blades go right after the flying undead beasts and impale into them before each starts exploding.

Subaru falls as he quickly teleports onto a building with a low roof as he slides down it before jumping off and accidentally getting onto the man's back, who uses his tail to balance him as he bursts by while crushing an undead's head, taking a breather before looking ahead of them and sees they are approaching a gate with many undead and knights fighting each other while 3 undead beasts charges towards them.

Seeing this the man aimed an arm as his saw before morphed back into his claws and then fires a claw out, causing the claw to pierce through each of the undead beasts like a large heavy bullet and knocking them onto the ground while the claw then flew around and came back right Into place as his upper body spins right around causing Subaru to give a startled noise before he used his saw on the other arm to cut through their bodies while handing Subaru a dagger he scooped up from the ground.

Subaru: "there, let's help with the undead around here then make ourselves scarce!" He said teleporting off him and onto an undead which he quickly cuts the head off of, then follows after the man who was throwing undead about while cutting through them and firing blades.

The man keeps plowing through until he makes it through the gate and begins dealing with the undead that had been kept out on the other side, while Subaru rushed about avoiding attacks and projectiles while doing some sneaky kills on the distracted undead and teleports when being hit is unavoidable, he kept fighting until he sees some guards a few struggling badly against against a large undead beast with more undead beasts on both it's sides.

Subaru then quickly recognises few being the same guards that tortured him in prison and hesitates before quickly scoffing with gritted teeth and goes to a large damaged support pillar near them and stabs his dagger into it, digging it deeper until the blade snaps and the pillar then falls on top of the undead as it quickly set on fire by magic projectiles hitting it accidentally, those who fought those undead were surprised until becoming shocked at the sight of Subaru, who threw the daggers handle into the blazing fire as he glared.

"h-how have... w-why did you..."

Subaru: "think what you want, but just know that I decided to help out... close the gate, we're out of here!" He said rushing towards the gate as they couldn't follow, while the man- who had finished up just outside, hears him and complies.

???: "understood! proceeding!"

The man then aims at a certain part of the tower beside the gate and fires a blade, causing it to impact and loosen something before the sounds of metal clashing was heard and the gate began to close as subaru rushes through ducking as it soon fully shut behind him. Subaru then looks around and notices a small light quickly approaching the royal capital in the distance and gives a slight smile while going beside the man, both then immediately leave as a few guards and knights glanced in shock... the two quickly made some distance and cross a small river before slowing down and look back to the royal capital.

Subaru: "there... the civilians are safely away from the area and we've dealt with enough undead for things to be handled, we've done enough on our end."

???: "Despite our influence, are you certain of their success against the remaining undead and that we should take our leave?"

Subaru: "I'm sure, besides... they've got the situation controlled." He said as then the remaining flying beasts were cut up or incinerated as Reinhard had finally arrived after assisting the felt camp dealing with some more undead further south.

???: "Astrea..." he said overlooking the sight with some surprise as Subaru smiles.

Subaru: "Reinhard will take over from here, we better move before some are free to come after us." He said as both soon turn towards the forest.

???: "Very well, I shall position at the front to ensure safety of any noticeable or hidden threat ahead." He said going slightly ahead as subaru nods while they quickly leave the area.

_______

A few hours later far from the royal capital, it was now night and both Subaru and the man were going up a small hill as a distant view of the royal capital was seen, with not much flames being seen showing that things had calmed down there and that the situation was now fully under control, both kept moving as the man gets his final cuff off him as Subaru flexes his wrist.

Subaru: "that's better, better to have them off than keeping them..." he said as the man stored the cuff away, both keep moving until the man stops before quickly aiming his arm forward and morphed his claw into a saw.

???: "Unknown target detected approaching at high speeds, preparing to engage if necessary." He said as Subaru tensed before noticing a familiar looking figure rushing towards through the shrubbery and trees and quickly acts.

Subaru: "hold it! Don't hurt her... she's a friendly... hopefully." He said being a bit nervous as then man lowers his arm but remains on guard, before the figure begins to stop once they come into view and revealed to be patrasche who appeared somewhat tired from the run.

???: "An Earth dragon of the proud Diana species, the very first created by volcanica..." he said with interest as his saw morphed back into a claw, patrasche looked to them with a squeal and narrowed eyes while on guard as Subaru carefully approached.

Subaru: "e-easy, easy patrasche... I was the one who called you. I know it seems strange, but please trust me when I state we have history together... easy girl..." he said as patrasche eyed him with some suspicion at first before she also slowly approached him until his hand touched her snout, causing her to relax along with him as he came closer to properly pet her.

Subaru: "there we go... thank you for trusting me girl." He said with his eyes watering a bit as he soon hugged her as she leaned into it despite having some confused thoughts, the two then part and look to the man who lowered his guard.

Subaru: "This is patrasche, she's my Earth dragon companion and I was the one who always rode her before I got my name eaten, I had an idea that despite me being erased from the world and people's memories- there would still at least be certain discrepancies due to major actions I've taken that couldn't fully be replaced by others... so I sorta knew that she would still not fully listen to others other than the ones she choses to." He said introducing her.

Subaru calmly rubs her snout as patrasche gave out a surprised squeal before she began to realise his words hold truth, since she didn't fully listen to anyone at the Emilia camp and refused to return to vollachia when most decided to go back... not to mention her memories on how and why she even decided to join the camp were currently fuzzy since now both memories of Subaru and rem from then are forgotten.

???: "An Earth dragon of her species is a very reliable and faithful companion, your hypothesis was also well thought out... but I admit recalling to have heard the name patrasche as well as other names and their meanings before long ago." He said causing patrasche to squeal proudly, surprising Subaru at that before he finally realises something and slaps himself hard.

Subaru: "Damnit, stupid subaru! I was so surprised and on edge with everything that was happening when you broke me out, that I completely forgot to ask for your name! I'm sorry for being so rude!" He said with a bow, apologising since the man had just saved and assisted him in helping the others within the capital as the man expressed some surprise.

???: "There is no need for apologies, both the timing and situation were dire- it's understandable to cast pleasantries aside to prioritise lives endangered." He said sounding a bit awkward at being apologised too.

Subaru: "s-still, it's an important custom from where I'm from so I apologise... can I ask for your name?" He said as the man stares before becoming serious.

Gilbert: "My designation is T.O.G-27-Gilbert, the 27th and last of the T.O.G series... the central figure responsible for my creation, with some assistance from others being the great sage: Flugel." He said surprising Subaru as patrasche also appeared interested.

Subaru: "you were made by him?! Wait- so you are some sort of ancient robot or cyborg then? Considering the things I've seen since coming here, I thought you were another natural species from another nation." He said as Gilbert seemed bothered.

Gilbert: "I am... uncertain of what I can be even classified as at this point, but from the knowledge I've accumulated over our interactions I can conclude you have also come from beyond the great waterfall like your ancestor?" He said as Subaru felt a bit bad at the first bit before being surprised again ant the second and nods.

Subaru: "o-oh... y-yeah, I also came from Japan too... is it alright if I just call you Gilbert?"

Gilbert: "it's my identification." He said with a nod, making him smile slightly.

Subaru: "right... wait, if Flugel was mainly responsible in creating you, some of the other witches must also had assisted along with Reid and alec- you must know shaula well then!" He said with thought, quickly getting Gilbert's full attention at the name.

Gilbert: "You have encountered shaula? What's her activity? How is her current status?" He said as Subaru slowly gave a sad frown.

Subaru: "W-well, when we first met at Pleiades watchtower she was really attached to me and helped us out... b-but things happened and... She lost her sense of self and became a scorpion small mabeast, she's currently being taken care of well by Meili last I heard..." he said with patrasche giving a slight squeal as Gilbert freezes before visibly appearing upset.

Gilbert: "... so only I remain to fully prove they had once existed..." he said as his eyes gave a slight red glow while looking up.

Subaru: "so you do... you two were close?"

Gilbert: "she and I had mostly been placed together within the walls of the constructing Pleiades watchtower, through that we became close and... she became a sister to me..." he said as Subaru realised the impact the news had and also became saddened himself.

Subaru: "I'm sorry... I have an idea on how you probably feel." He said as Gilbert looks forward.

Gilbert: "...recently attained knowledge implies your words truth." He said as there was silence before Subaru sighs.

Subaru: "So, I'm guessing Flugel told you about me and sent you?" He said as Gilbert gives a slight nod.

Gilbert: "your assumptions are correct, I was sealed within a crystallised shell for at least over 4 centuries having been lastly placed within vollachia's crystal castle, I reactivated after a brief encounter with Flugel within my comatose state and after ensuring a personal matter throughout its royal capital- I immediately made course for you." He said shocking him.

Subaru: "you were slumbering for that long?! Now that's some hypersomnia... hold on, if you came from vollachia that must mean- did you also fight the undead there and Sphinx?! W-what happened?!" He said wanting to know if those he cared for were alright despite everything.

Gilbert: "During my extermination of the undead around there, I had encountered capable groups who handled themselves... one of them having an individual possessing abilities that of gluttony, due to her using them to defend the living and my own reasons I decided not to engage and assist somewhat. I had also done the same to some other groups including the one fighting Sphinx, to which I had deliver a hard attack... I am uncertain of her fate." He said causing Subaru to be both concerned and relived.

Subaru: "so we'll need to keep a lookout for her... thank you for not attacking her, she's spica and despite what she had done in the past before eating her own memories she's a good person now and knowing that I could tell the others are also safe... keep going everyone..." he said happy to know they were most likely fine.

Gilbert: "Very well, I'll make note of it... i have also managed to gather what was suggested to me along with other useful objects, one I'm certain you are familiar with?" He said brining his tail up to Subaru before its sharp end opens up, revealing a very familiar object to his surprise.

Subaru: "My phone! How did you find and get it from Russell fellow? He wouldn't just give- it's even back to full battery!" He said happy to see a familiar object and is also surprised while looking with wander.

Gilbert: "It was easy to locate due to it's unique frequency output I quickly detected and grasped, he willingly traded it after a discussion... soon after I quickly analysed its structure and concluded how it was powered, using a mixture of magic to recharge it. Putting everything into perspective, it would be best if we upgraded the device to connect with the Metia's and other communication devises of this world, along with making use of we have and will collect once having a place to work in." He said as they all began to walk forward, Subaru nodding in agreement while messing with his phone.

Subaru: "yeah that'll help out a lot in our current situation. Thanks for charging and bringing this back to me, considering thing it's probably the only property I have left, wonder if it's been used since-" he says before cutting himself off and freezing as he accidentally clicked a button by a finger twitch which caused something to pop up on the screen... it was a picture he had taken, except he and rem were now gone as he remembers the full picture.

Gilbert: "... why have you stopped? Is something the-?!" 

Gilbert turned to look back at Subaru when hearing his footsteps stop before also stopping himself as his eyes widen slightly with patrasche also looks to Subaru with concern... as Subaru slowly looked up from his phone with tears in his eyes and a broken look.

Subaru: "h-heh... j-just when I had thought... w-when thinking I had come to terms... j-just one photo, a-a nice memory... I-it made me realise... I'm nothing now." 

Subaru stand while his tears continue falling as Gilbert slowly goes to him, unsure on how to act before Subaru's head leans onto his shoulder, causing Gilbert to be surprised before he began to hear his stifled cries and places a hand on his shoulder as comfort while patrasche stayed close to the two... after a bit, Subaru then leans back up straight and wipes his eyes.

Subaru: "s-sorry, just had a moment... don't worry patrasche, things will improve..." he said as he pets patrasche to lessen her concern before getting onto her back.

Subaru: "let's keep moving... you lead the way Gilbert..." He said with a straight yet upset look as Gilbert stared a bit before nodding.

Gilbert: "understood... charting course." He said as the 3 continue on their way with some pace in their speed, making sure on keeping some distance from many others for a while.

A week later, back at lugunica's royal capital:

Emilia and most of her camp along with Pricilla and some of her camp had returned from vollachia, with some of the Emilia camp- mostly rem who also wondered how her friend katya was doing, being a bit bothered as spica chose to remain there for a bit in order to make sure the undead and Sphinx are fully dealt with, but they were surprised upon their return as they see parts of the royal capital being rebuilt.

Garfiel: "the hell happened?! Did someone decide to attack the place?!"

Otto: "that gate and those stalls are gonna need some extra supplies to fully repair..." he said as the gate they were approaching appeared to be damaged with the metal parts being scorched, bent and melted.

Roswaal: "hmmm... it appeeeears the amount of undead that had exited from vollachia is laaaaargeeer than anticipated." He said causing concern as the carriages stop near the gate as Reinhard and felt were talking with some of the workers while Julius's and Felix looked about the place before the two notice their arrival and go to them as they disembarked their carriages.

Julius: "miss Emilia, miss Pricilla, it is good to see that you both and your camps have returned safely, even more-so considering the events of the great disaster we had learned transpired in vollachia before Vincent vollachia's accent to emperor." He said with relief.

Pricilla: "well after all the trouble we went to to ensure his 'accent', he better keep his words on what was promised... even my body was scarred by the cost, not to mention that destructive being." She said fiddling a bit with her new red-tinted black leathered bandage that fully covered her arm along with the burns at certain parts on her body's right side causing some concern.

Ram: "There still hasn't been any sighting or report on anything describing the figure encountered there." She said getting some stuff off the carriage along with rem and some others.

Many lives were lost in the great disaster (more civilian lives than in cannon) and despite being helped a bit by the unknown being- with them also saved Pricilla which Al was very happy about, they had still caused more damage and problems. Many in vollachia saw them as a vengeful spirit finally birthed from the many deceased spirits used to creat their crystal castle, others see them as an awakened monster fuelled by the need to destroy... but the real fact is that the unknown being despite saving lives, caused carnage and destruction on a large scale- even leaving a long trail that left the scent of ash which ended a bit into lugunica before vanishing without a lead.

Al: "Well this whole area definitely needs a makeover... did the undead do all this damage?" He said as they nod.

Julius: "we were assisting a bit more south when we all were informed of the situation, despite there being less undead's there were many beast types which caused problems... a few didn't make it, the rest are alright." He said causing some frowns.

Emilia: "that's very unfortunate to hear... despite our best to contain them within vollachia many had still gotten out into other nations." She said as the two become more serious.

Felix: "luckily some had come to assist the other knights in fighting back before Reinhard arrived, few being more noticeable than others, but during the conflict some attacks had hit other parts of the capital including the castle area... the archbishop of pride has managed to escape." He said with some anger, causing alarm while getting Rem's full attention.

Emilia: "What?! Was there any casualties?!" She said worried before they shake their heads.

Julius: "fortunately none, when the attacks hit the castle and knocked out some of the guards it seams that he used the opportunity to escape, some reports state there was also another seen appearing to assist him leave as they also fought through the undead... even helping others strangely." He said making some surprised.

Emilia: "he helped out while he was leaving...? Hm..." she said as her look softens before going into thought.

Roswaal: "While that is interesting... dessspiiiiite what he has said, he could've done the action to fuuuuuurther his own ambitions." He said as archbishops were known to do strange actions at times before Emilia sigh.

Emilia: "even so, that gives more of a right to re-detain and question him as it appears he doesn't want to kill others... but if that changes, then we all know what action must be taken." She said as most agree before the continue conversing further as they enter the capital, while rem goes to Reinhard and felt after a brief talk with ram.

Rem: "miss felt, Reinhard." She said as the two had finished their talk with a worker as both look to her and give a smile.

Reinhard: "ah rem, we were relived to know of you and both camps safety once receiving the knowledge. I suppose you have also been informed of his escape?" He said as she nods.

Rem: "I have, though he has earned some points for helping while doing so, I was also surprised by him having assistance from another." She said while narrowing her eyes in thought.

Felt: "Could be a friend he had made during the chaos here... but I'm just gonna say it now: he's gonna do as promised and fix everyone's memories." She said with a smirk catching their attention.

Reinhard: "lady felt, despite having some help he'll still face many others along with avoiding capture, are you that certain?" He said unsure by the harsh odds as rem also appeared a bit bothered at that.

Felt: "Well he managed to get out didn't he? Sure it might take some time but I bet he'll still do it! Now cmon, we got more guys to talk with around here don't we? After that we gotta talk with the others back at camp about him." She said walking away with a wave as Reinhard bows to rem before going after her... as rem was silent before she looks up to the sky with a solemn look.

Rem: "... we have stayed safe like you wanted... now you better do the very same."

Chapter Text

Currently at the Emilia camp within Roswaal's mansion at late noon, within the big main room were most of the important figures who made up the camp as rem and spica enter after ram, who went to stand beside a solemn and frustrated looking Roswaal while the one who stood out the most in the room was Emilia, who was crying her eyes out as some thick ice had formed beneath where she had fallen to her knees.

Emilia: "S-Subaru... s-Subaru... I'm s-sorry... I-I'm so sorry...!"

Meili: "big sis Emilia..." she said with sadness as everyone in the room mostly felt equally as awful, if not even more.

Petra: "c-calm yourself miss Emilia, otherwise your ice will get out of control!... we all feel awful for forgetting Subaru, some even feeling responsible knowing what's been done..." she said with tears as Garfiel grunts and punches the wall with an angry yell.

Garfiel: "It should've been us in that cell, not captain! It should've been after... what we've... I should've been stronger to resist gluttony's authority, d-damnit!" He said putting more pressure as the wall cracks, injuring his own fist.

Frederica: "stop Garfiel!... none of us could've done that except him, Julius's name getting eaten proved it along with rem." She said with watery eyes, placing a hand on his shoulder as he tears up and hiccups.

Ram: "despite how he is... even I know basaru didn't deserve... that." She said visibly bothered.

Otto: "I thought my day couldn't get worse than it has... this has just made it the worst one I might've ever had." He said sitting against a wall with sadness.

Roswaal: "hm... we've definitely caused quite the mess ourselves, haaaaaavent we?" He said, though his usual way of speaking seemed more... painfully forced.

Spica: "m-miss Emilia, papa wouldn't want you to stay like this... he wouldn't blame you for forgetting because of-" she said trying to make her feel better before Emilia interrupted her.

Emilia: "He has every right to blame me! I'm the reason he..."

Rem: "miss Emilia...?"

Emilia: "when my name was eaten and I was forgotten, he still remembered me, even took care of me until I got everything back. B-but when he reunited with us after HIS name was eaten, he quickly went to find some proof as we all went after to detain him... i found him first and when he showed me slight proof that he was telling the truth I... I chose not to believe him!" She shouts causing some of their eyes to widen... and angering a certain oni.

Rem: "you... what?" She said as she clenched her fists.

Ram: "rem..." She said concerned, feeling her sisters rage growing with their synesthesia.

Emilia: "I-I'm such a hypocrite! I-i didn't give even him a chance, calling for you right after... i-if I believed him then this wouldn't had happened, I-in our last encounter just a few days after leaving the watchtower with Crusch's group accompanying us I even cut off his own arm by OD! D-despite it being accidental and him regenerating it- but I was still going to hurt his own friend who I assumed was going to kill Frederica!" She said shedding many tears as Frederica winces at the memory... with both still remembering the hellish screams he gave as his lost limb regenerated.

Emilia: "...I deserve to be in that cell he was in..." she said as there was silence before rem goes forward and position's herself in front of her.

Rem: "... I want to hit you." She said as most others besides the two were taken aback by this.

Petra: "r-rem?!" She said surprised and was going to say more before Emilia gestures her not to.

Emilia: "I-i know..." she said still looking down to the ground in tears.

Rem: "every single part of me right now... really wants to hit you, make that hit hurt as much or even more than what Subaru has gone through." She said as her fists shook.

Emilia: "... I deserve the hit more than anyone... so please just hit-"

Rem: "but I wont, because my hero wouldn't do that, Subaru wouldn't do that." She said, gritting her teeth hard as her eyes water a bit, as everyone looks to her.

Rem: "even if his feelings, thoughts and actions have changed... Subaru wouldn't do that as he would understand, he's the most understanding of us all to even sacrifice himself if necessary! Despite everything! even if we don't understand why at all...! that's why I won't do it, but now... we all have to live with what's happened, no backing out." She said tearing up as Emilia nods with some sad hiccups before rem makes her way towards Roswaal.

Roswaal: "hm?... is there something you need rem-?"

*pumbel!*

Otto: "AH! Scary oni!" He shouts in fear by them as everyone else was also surprised at seeing rem punch rosswal in the face without any hesitation as he stumbled from the hit.

Garfiel: "right... forgot she could hit super hard, not as hard as my amazing self though."

Rem: "I resign as your maid, clown." She said with venom causing further surprise as rosswal just blinks.

Ram: "s-sister!! What are you doing?!" She yelled thinking something was wrong.

Rem: "I'm fine sister and I'm not leaving the mansion either... rem would explain more on it, but now isn't the best time." She said seriously as ram wanted to know more but respects her wishes and nods as rem goes to spica and grabs her hand.

Rem: "now, I'm going with spica to see a friend of mine that sent me an invitation to a party in kararagi. We'll be preparing for our departure tomorrow and will be gone for a few days... I also need to clear my mind a bit." She said as the two were going to leave before Meili approached.

Meili: "c-can I come too? We can arrive there quicker with some of my tamed mabeast's." She said as rem looks to her with some thought before giving a hum.

Rem: "well, I'm not sure many around spica's age will be there so it will lighten her mood... but it's up to miss Emilia if you're allowed to come." She said as meili looks to Emilia, who gives her a small sad smile and nods.

Emilia: "she can go... we all need time to clear our heads a bit." She said wiping her tears as Meili gives her a quick hug.

Meili: "thank you big sis Emilia!" She said before quickly going beside spica with ram approaching rem.

Ram: "I'll also attend as I wish to have time with my sister now that we have our memories again." She said looking to Roswaal, who gives her a nod while rubbing his bruised cheek.

Rem: "alright, rem would never mind her sister ram's company. We'll be leaving now, see you in a few days." She said as the 4 soon left the room.

Petra: "here miss Emilia..." she said helping her up as she thanks her.

Emilia: "thank you Petra... say, where's Beatrice?" She said as they all soon realised that Beatrice was never with them.

Frederica: "well she wasn't in her room as she has been for the past year as I didn't hear any sound coming from there... oh..." she said as they all soon realised what the little artificial spirit must've done.

Roswaal: "weeeeeelll... it appears we now have 2 people to look for in the coming days after we've cooled off."

Meanwhile still within lugunica, with Beatrice:

Currently now within a forest as it was getting really dark, it was quiet until a bright light appears causing the small critters around to go away before it dissipates, revealing a frantic Beatrice as she looks about.

Beatrice: "contractor is near here, Betty's Subaru is near here I can feel it, I suppose!" She said with some desperation as she looks about the place with watery eyes.

Beatrice: "I-i cannot stay any longer in that library... I must apologise to Subaru, even if he does not like betty anymore after all that..." she said wiping some tears before grasping onto the determination she has left... not noticing or hearing the thuds and shadow approaching her.

Beatrice: "now that I'm near, I just need to approach him and... a-and..." she said before finally noticing the thuds and looks to see Gilbert.

Beatrice begins sweating in fear with her body shaking as she sees a fiery orange-tinted image of a Gilbert surrounded by many corpses, large and small sharp metal blades impaled into the ground, flames, some explosions and most of his body splattered with blood, with much of it dripping from his claws with his eyes shining red.

"RAAAAAUGHHHH!!"

"AH BY THE WITCHES OR EVEN OD! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP!!"

"M-MY INSIDES!! A-AUGH! I-I CAN FEEL THEMM!! EACH IN EVERY DIFFERENT WRONG WAY! P-PLEASE JUST END ME!!"

"W-WAIT WHY ARE YOU GRABBING THERE?! A-ARE YOU NOW PULLING- NO! NONONOAAAAAAAAGGHHHHHHH!!!!"

All this happens as echoes of distorted voices are heard before it cuts back to the current time as Gilbert towers over her with a curious yet on guard look as he then points a claw to her.

Gilbert: "hm... identify yourself fellow artificial spirit and explain why you've suddenly appeared near our resting grounds-"

Beatrice: "AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH-!!!!"

A few minutes later, at a location away from the two:

Subaru: "thanks for helping me with planning on what to get for the place Halibel, I appreciate it." He said sitting cross legged as the two were currently sitting by the campfire near a river, relaxing and enjoying themselves with some small talk.

Halibel: "don't mention it, besides I'm also getting things for myself in a sense." He said lying down as some smoke came out his kiseru.

Subaru: "still, I appreciate the company... wonder how most people will look at me now when seeing me..." he said sweatdroping with some uncomfort.

Halibel: "well, you are remembered now so... things like that are to be expected..." he said biting his kiseru as Subaru sighs.

Subaru: "right, overlooked that detail... well, I'm just glad things can start going back in a good direction." He said with a small smile that held some sadness as Halibel hums, both deciding to enjoy the scenery in a moment of silence.

After a few minutes of that the two soon start to hear some rusting and thuds, as they then look to see a figure approaching them through the fauna before recognising it was Gilbert coming out of some tall bushes.

Subaru: "oh, hey Gilbert how was-"

Beatrice: "Subaru!" She shouts rushing out from behind Gilbert as Subaru quickly notices her.

Subaru: "Beatrice!" He said quickly catching her, her jumping onto his lap and hugs him as he does the same back.

Beatrice: "I'm so sorry, Betty's sorry for not being there for Subaru when he needed her most! Forgive me!" She said crying into him as he tears up a bit as well.

Subaru: "it's alright Beako... I'm sorry that you were stuck back in that library suffering again for over a year. I'm just glad to see you out again..." he said as both let go of each other, letting him pat her head as she smiles, happy once again.

Beatrice: "I'm glad... Betty really is glad, I suppose..."

Subaru: "yeah, I am too... so, what did you and Gilbert do?" He said soon expressing a straight look as it was very noticeable the two had clashed from their appearance, looking roughed up with some torn parts on their clothes.

Gilbert: "when encountering the artificial spirit, she appeared uncomfortable at my presence and when responding she acted out and I responded in kind. Our battle caused some unfortunate environmental damage-"

Beatrice: "-but after explaining he knew of you and that this place held value, Betty reversed the damage and was guided here, I suppose." She said looking down a bit as Subaru sighs with a sweatdrop.

Subaru: "least nobody was seriously hurt and you cleaned up after yourselves... thanks for bringing her here Gilbert." He said petting her head again as Gilbert nods.

Gilbert: "despite our confrontation, it was pleasant meeting and going against the contracted spirit you have mentioned on many occasions." He said looking to Beatrice who felt uneasy.

Beatrice: "Subaru, though I don't want to sound rude when asking this... why is he here?" She said pointing to Gilbert as Subaru gave a slight laugh.

Subaru: "well Beako, despite Gilbert being known as a rouge spirit that was just reawakened a few months ago... he's actually a guardian of sorts to my family, even helped me escape prison just right after waking up." He said as Beatrice looks between them with some surprise.

Beatrice: "it's rare for a spirit to do such a thing... but I thank you for assisting and looking after Betty's Subaru when she couldn't. But... you do know of his past and current infamy?"

Subaru: "I do, he's mentioned about the past ones himself... but Beako, did you meet him once before?" He said as Beatrice shook her head.

Beatrice: "well... I haven't, today is the first. Betty has only heard mentions of him which had made many specie's alike fear him..." she said recalling the stories mostly of carnage and destruction.

Subaru: "well, beneath all that... he's a very nice guy, you'd both get along great if given the chance." He said as Beatrice looks to Gilbert as both state before they began to tilt their heads from side to side slowly and simultaneously, causing Subaru and Halibel to chuckle.

Beatrice: "... I suppose so." She said though still feeling a bit uneasy, gets what Subaru means.

Gilbert: "part of me has interest to see where this leads... I shall now continue with my patrol of the area." He said going past them and back into the forest as Subaru gave a slight laugh.

Subaru: "well, you've already met Gilbert... the wolf-man beside me is another close friend I've made: Halibel, he's also one of the few who could rival Reinhard." He gestured to Halibel who gave a relaxed wave.

Halibel: "hey there." He said as Beatrice could tell subaru wasn't kidding as she could sense an intimidating presence from him, despite him hiding it.

Subaru: "then there's Zarestia- but she's gone ahead back into kararagi to fetch a few things, then bring them and wait for us at my new house in banan!" He said surprising Beatrice by hearing he was friendly with the best air magic user of the 4 great spirits before catching her attention with the last bit.

Beatrice: "hm? Why so?"

Subaru: "well I didn't want to just hog my stay at that clown's mansion forever, I wanted a place for myself and have now done so... though I didn't expect others to come and live there with me back then. But then again... I didn't expect THIS to happen either." He said raising a hand as amber coloured miasma flowed about it, causing Beatrice to look at it with surprise.

Beatrice: "wh... what kind of miasma is it, what has Betty's Subaru's cursed miasma turned into?" She said inspecting it as it didn't feel any sort of uncomfort.

Subaru: "well, many things happened... and let's just say the witch of envy herself won't be an uncontrollable danger anymore." He said causing her eyes to widen in shock as she soon has a full grasp on his altered miasma... and feels a presence that she understands has changed from merging with him.

Beatrice: "Betty knew her Subaru was great... but this is unbelievable, I suppose...!" She said as he grins slightly and a bit mischievously while patting her head.

Subaru: "well, what else would you expect from me?... we've got much to talk about, so why don't we talk and you can syphon some of my mana while doing so. Mind keeping an eye out for us a for a bit Halibel?" He said as Halibel bites his kiseru and gives a lazy nod as he turns over to look to the forest, as Subaru places Beatrice down beside him and begins talking a bit about what he's gone through during the past year.

_______

A few days later within kararagi at banan, after the group having met up with Zarestia and arrived at the house and getting some needed furniture, it was now nightime and also the day of the party as many wolf-men along with other people and Demi-humans had come and were now around the place talking or laughing with each other friendlily, with some causing a bit of playful scuffle while being watched over by more mature people, as Subaru walked about while some people greet him to which he greets back until he comes across ricardo as he looks to him with some surprise and sadness.

Ricardo: "S-Subaru..." he said a bit awkwardly as Subaru gave a small smile.

Subaru: "hey ricardo, been a while... how are the triplets?" He said as Ricardo scratches the back of his head with his only hand.

Ricardo: "they're currently back with Anastasia and Julius, have reasons for not bringing them here with us older folks... Subaru, I-"

Subaru: "it's fine, besides we hadn't seen each other much during the past year anyway despite our small interaction alongside the triplets during the kararagi cleansing incident that happened 6 months ago." He said as Ricardo nods recalling the hectic incident.

Ricardo: "still doesn't mean I shouldn't feel bad, especially when..." he said before grunting with regret as Subaru sighs.

Subaru: "suppose so... why don't we rebuild things from the ground up then? It'll help the both of us out with this." He said putting a hand out to him as he looks before giving a chuckle.

Ricardo: "sounds good to me." He said using his prosthetic hook to shake his hand with a smile, before Subaru notices Beatrice wandering aimlessly around the place and looking annoyed.

Subaru: "o-oh! Beako! Sorry Ricardo, talk again another time!" He said quickly saying goodbye and going after Beatrice as Ricardo chuckles.

Ricardo: "it's nice to see some familiarity even if things have changed..." he said before noticing Halibel talking with the elder they held this party for and went to them.

Meanwhile, outside nearby the house Zarestia was patiently waiting for someone by a tree while trying to hide her impatience, before hearing some footsteps as she notices that her praised friend: rem had arrived with a girl that looked almost identical to her along with two children.

Zarestia: "miss rem! It's great to see you've come... and who might these be, along with that imitation of you." She said narrowing her eyes at ram who glares back at that but stays quiet.

Rem: "it's good to see you again as well Zarestia, the one with me is spica the girl I'm taking care of, the other girl Meili who helped get us here quicker, and this is my sister: ram." She said introducing them as Zarestia was a bit surprised.

Zarestia: "I knew you said you both were twins, but I didn't expect you both to be almost identical." She said as ram looked to rem with some concern.

Ram: "sister, you didn't tell us your friend was one of the 4 great spirits." She said as rem sweatdrops, having overlooked that while spica looked to Zarestia stary eyed.

Spica: "Your a great spirit?! You look so pretty!" She said as Meili sweatdrop's with some nervousness.

Meili: "s-spica, you're not wrong but maybe be more formal in front of a great spirit?" She said having heard stories of Zarestia while the great spirit was flustered by that.

Zarestia: "b-but of course! A great spirit like myself must have such beauty with her amazing strength!" She said recomposing herself as spica became more awed at her with ram giving a straight face at this while rem giggles.

Ram: ... why do the great spirits I meet almost act similar to children at times.

Rem: "There's no need for that Zarestia, after all only your thoughts matter on that- not others." She said as Zarestia turned a bit red before smiling proudly.

Zarestia: "well if that's what you say, then I suppose you're correct!" She said gesturing herself as rem smiles before looking to the 2 younger girls.

Rem: "ram and I will be here for a moment, so why don't you two go to the house and enjoy yourselves, you'll know where to find us if you need us." She said as the two nod.

Meili: "alright rem, c'mon spica!" She said grabbing spica's hand with a smile and leads her forward.

Spica: "ok mama!" She said as both then quickly leave as the 3 begin talking.

When arriving at the house the two begin going about the place, wandering around as they see many people talking while seeing a friendly scuffle or two, not seeing anyone of their age there which made them unhappy as Meili sighs while they walked along the porch.

Meili: "guess there's only adults here, we haven't seen anyone around our age yet..." she said while spica looks to her with a smile.

Spica: "well we can just have fun to ourselves together then!" She said as Meili smiles at her optimism.

Meili: "suppose so... but what is there for us to do here?" She said with thought as spica also thinks.

Spica: "hmm... huh?" She thought before noticing something as her eyes widen, then pulling meili's arm sightly making her look to her before looking to where spica was pointing at as she soon does the same.

Subaru: "-so, you think you both will be able to do that?" He said talking with Beatrice and Gilbert about something with a bit of distance from other people, as Gilbert nods with Beatrice giving a slight huff.

Beatrice: "But of course I would be able to do that with precision, time and without much effort, the only concern you should have is with him, I suppose." She said looking to Gilbert who just shrugs.

Gilbert: "your assumption in certain cases is correct, when time and stealth are not necessity I would act on my impulse and rage when exterminating any threat. But when needed and for surprising situations or requests such as this one, I will do so with extreme effort so there's no need for concern." He said as Beatrice gives a slightly satisfied huff as Subaru smiles.

Subaru: "thanks, I know everyone will like it. Just make sure it's at a far distance so those with sensitive ears won't be too affected by the noise." He said patting Gilbert's arm and petting Beatrice's head as both nod, before a familiar voice catches his attention.

Spica: "PAPA!!!" She shouts as Subaru quickly looks to see her and smiles.

Subaru: "Spica!" He said catching her in a hug as she laughs happily.

Meili: "big brother Subaru!" She said rushing to him with some tears.

Subaru: "Meili!" He said catching her into the hug too as the two hug him tightly.

Meili: "I-I'm sorry! Im sorry to have forgotten you!" She said crying slightly.

Subaru: "it's alright Meili, that can't be blamed... I'm just glad to see you both here and alright." He said as they soon part after a bit while Beatrice pouts with some jealousy, Meili wiping her tears with a smile while spica giggles.

Spica: "see? Told you papa wouldn't be angry at us!" She said as Meili gives a little nod and laugh before the two look to Beatrice with some surprise.

Meili: "so this is where you were Beatrice?"

Beatrice: "but of course, when gluttony's authority faded Betty immediately went to her Subaru without hesitation... I didn't want to be stuck in that place any longer." She said with some desperation at the end, making them feel sorry for her before Subaru pats her head to calm her.

Subaru: "it's alright... so, how did you both get here?"

Meili: "well we quickly rode here on some mabeasts i controlled after rem allowed me and ram to come with her and spica to the party she was invited too." He said as his eyes widen at that.

Spica: "yeah, mama and auntie are now with the pretty great spirit! See?" She said pointing to them now approaching as Subaru stands up, causing the three to notice him as Zarestia decides to introduce.

Zarestia: "oh, and that irritating yet reliable man who now owns this house is-"

Ram: "B-Basaru...?!" She said with shock, rem freezing at the sight of him while Zarestia was surprised by them knowing him as she looks between the 3.

Rem: "... s-Subaru..."

Subaru: "rem..."

There was silence for a moment before rem takes a step back, then taking another as her eyes begin to water before she begins rushing away into the forest as everyone was surprised by the action of her running away.

Ram: "s-sister! Where are you going?!"

Zarestia: "miss rem, why go out there?!" Both say alarmed as Subaru reached out to her a bit before looking very bothered, thinking about why she ran off.

Spica: "papa... why did mama run...?" She said confused and a slightly saddened as Subaru frowns.

Subaru: "I... i don't know spica, but I'm going after her. Say, why don't you and Meili stay with Gilbert for a moment and get to know him better like Beako's currently still doing, you all might enjoy it." He said looking to them with a small smile as the two look to Gilbert as Meili feels nervous at his presence while spica smiles and nods.

Spica: "wow!" She said as Subaru pats her head.

Subaru: "I'll be back with her soon, look after them Gilbert." He said leaving them as Gilbert nods while noticing the two approach.

Spica: "mr metal tail!" She said, recalling the 2 times she had seen and met him in person.

Gilbert: "ah, the reformed archbishop of gluttony... so, you are the mabeast tamer?" He said leaning to look down to them.

Meili: "y-yes, you would be right." She said nodding as he looks to spica.

Gilbert: "...you do understand my remaining weariness of you is due to your past transgressions correct?" He said bothering her slightly as she nods.

Spica: "yeah... knowing what I did in the past still makes me feel awful, but now I can try fixing some of the things I've done, even using my authority to help! Wow!" She said giving a childish yet optimistic smile as Gilbert tilts his head at that.

Gilbert: "you are... an anomaly, another of the few I have met." He states as spica giggles at that, while a sweatdroping Meili looked to Beatrice who gave a shrug.

Gilbert: "shaula..." he said as Meili jumps a bit at seeing him now looking down closer to her, before noticing she was staring at the small Scorpion on her shoulder... what shaula had become.

Meili: "y-you know shaula?" She said a bit surprised, her nervousness slowly fading.

Gilbert: "in a way... you could say she's a sister to me." He said appearing saddened, lifting a claw as the small Scorpion didn't respond until placing her stinger on the tip of the claw... feeling a small connection.

Meili: "I miss her too... but I think she'll return normal to us all soon, I believe she will." She said giving a sad smile, Gilbert soon nodding with a hum as spica smiles beside a stoic Beatrice.

Meanwhile subaru was making his way to where rem had went off too before being stopped by an aggravated Zarestia.

Subaru: "z-Zarestia?!"

Zarestia: "what did you do?! Miss rem wouldn't just do something like that so- huh?" She said before both notice ram put a hand on her shoulder.

Ram: "stop, despite him causing many things... this isn't one of them." She said confusing her further.

Subaru: "ram..." he said with a bit of seriousness before she gives him a serious look.

Ram: "We can speak to each other later... right now I know that rem needs you and understand you are the only one who can solve this- despite how I feel about it. So go after her." She said catching him off by that before he gave a serious nod and rushes in Rem's direction.

_______

Subaru rushes through the forest quickly while teleporting a bit until one teleport brings him into an open area, where there was many flowers and a lake with the area being illuminated slightly as he then sees rem standing by the lake looking down slightly as he gave a sad smile.

Subaru: "There, found you... I see you found one of the reasons why I decided to by that house in banan, a bit of I shame I couldn't surprise you with it." He said as rem jolts a bit when hearing him but doesn't turn to face him, while he approached a begins to frown with concern.

Subaru: "rem, is... everything alright-"

Rem: "why?" She interrupted as he's caught off guard by that.

Subaru: "...huh?"

Rem: "why have you gone so far... f-for all of us... e-especially for rem?" She said shaking a bit as Subaru gave a sad smile.

Subaru: "is it not obvious? I care about you all, sure gluttony's authority has messed things up a bunch for everyone they ate but still I-" 

Rem: "THATS NOT WHAT I MEAN!!" She shouts turning to him, surprising him before he stiffens seeing that her face had a river of uncontrollable tears.

Subaru: "r-rem..." he said speechless as she takes a shaky breath.

Rem: "b-back then... in Pleiades watchtower, a-at the time you all faced the archbishop's of gluttony... I-in the corridor of memories when Rui had your memories... i... I-i saw the pain... t-the agony.. the-"

Subaru: "deaths..." he said as his eyes widen with dread as rem nods, and both seeing nothing had happened with that she begins crying loudly.

Rem: "A-all of it!... whywhywhywhyWHY?!?! Why help us?! Any of us?! Why go so far?! Most of us have caused you to die! You have died! Some even torturing and killing you! I TORTURED AND KILLED YOU!! Even doing it more than just once! You deserve better people! You deserve a better EVERYTHING!! I-I.... Ahhhhhhhahahhh!! I'm a horrible person! A horrid oni!" She said crying her heart out as Subaru watched this with much sadness as after a bit she then hiccups.

Rem: "y-your screams... i-I can still hear them, m-most begging, others pleading... I can even f-feel the phantom pain of what that archbishop had done to me, e-even the other fatal injuries I received... but none of it compares to even a fraction of what you've been through..." she said rubbing certain parts of her body before hugging her arms tightly.

Rem: "r-rem-... i truly am a demonic devil to you Subaru." She concluded with dead eyes as she was prepared for him to lash out on her and very rightfully so... but-

Subaru: "... though I can't deny most of what you've said... there's one thing I can deny with all my being as you are very wrong about it." He said walking forward until he stood in front of her as she remains quiet, before feeling herself getting hugged.

Subaru: "rem... you are a demonic angel to me."

Rem: "... h-huh?!" She said having processed what was happening as she tearfully looks to see his face, as she sees his eyes watering up.

Rem: "b-but... I-I've hurt you so much! H-how can I be that?! How can-!"

Subaru: "Everyone we all know has killed me rem." he said cutting her off as she freezes before he sighs.

Subaru: "directly, indirectly or accidental, everyone and any threat in this world has killed me at least once or twice including myself, even everyone in the Emilia camp along with the other camps... but despite that i understood the actions through those deaths and forgave, except those few who don't deserve one bit of it." He said as she was visibly disturbed.

Rem: "... I-I still killed you though...! H-how can you even still come to care for me or even anyone after experiencing something horrible like that-!"

Subaru: "because you're the reason I'm still here... you're the reason why I first genuinely smiled for the first time without hating myself one bit for the longest time." He interrupts as Rem's eyes widen before she looks back down gritting her teath.

Subaru: "when I felt like I was all alone you stuck beside me to try keep me a bit happy. when I wanted to run away with you, you inspired me to stay and gave me courage and hope. when I was so unhealthily dependant on what I was to you, that you brought me back down to reality. When I was forgotten and disliked by many, that you decided to get someone who can prove my words and even helped me afterwards. Finally when I lost you back then... it BROKE me... yet the words and the memories of you kept me going forward."

Rem: "w-why...? Why after everything...?" She said with extreme sadness before Subaru placed both hands on her cheeks gently then directs her gaze up to him, wiping her tears as she sees he had tears too as he also gave a smile.

Subaru: "isn't it obvious...? I love you rem, both the loving and the serious you." he said as her eyes widen at that, their clothes flowing gently through the wind as her mouth trembles.

Rem: "y-you... s-still what of Emilia?... a-are you really-?" She said before being cut off by a nod.

Subaru: "while I don't hate her and admit my feelings are complicated after everything, I'm certain of my decision..." he said as he then let's go and makes a bit of distance between them.

Subaru: "we all know things can never be or return to being the same after everything, understanding it's impossible as that's how life is and how people are... but we can learn from this and make anew. So rem..." he said stopping and turns to her.

Subaru: "let us all Restart our journey's together! from ZERO!" 

With that statement, Subaru gives her a teary smile as the area illuminates brighter despite the darkness of night... causing rem to now fully understand why part of her felt this was familiar, as the brightness of the area reflects off her teary eyes as they began to liven up once more.

Subaru: "you and the rest gave me the push to move forward, now It's my turn to help do the same... Theres still many things I must see through to the end after all." He said as she gave a small sad smile.

Rem: "... you're really unbelievable..."

Subaru: "so is everything here to me still, including the fiend I've become."

Rem: "...you're truly a demon fanatic..."

Subaru: "always am demonically inspired when helping others and reaching my goals."

Rem: "... heh... I-is this where rem says she love's another...?" She said catching him off before he gave an embarrassed chuckle, recalling his infamous dick-move.

Subaru: "well, I'd deserve a response like that from you after being so terrible like that... but I state the truth." he said as her hair covered her eyes.

Rem: "... then please... please say it again... rem want's to hear it... I NEED to hear it..." she begged as Subaru gave a slight sigh before giving her a smile.

Subaru: "Even if you felt different for me then, even if you don't feel the same for me now... it won't change how I feel right here... because rem, I love you... and you deserve to know that...!" he said placing a hand on his chest, as that was all she needed to hear before the dam finally broke.

Rem: "I LOVE YOU!! REM LOVE'S SUBARU SO MUCH, MUCH, AND MUCH MORE!!!" She yells her heart out crying uncontrollably once again, as Subaru couldn't help but smile and cry also while she threw herself at him.

Subaru: "R-REM!!" He said slightly surprised before catching her in his arms, both crying profusely into each other before part slightly as both looked and smiled to each other happily.

Rem: "I-I'm so glad to now fully be with you again... my Subaru." She said placing a hand on his cheek.

Subaru: "I'm also truly glad to finally have you back standing right beside me now... my rem." he said tidying a loose strand of her hair before they both slowly lean in and finally kiss, thus fully cementing their relationship.

.

.

.

.

.

Few Minutes later:

The two were know laying and resting beside a tree, looking at the calm and nice scenery as rem had her head on his shoulder with him having an arm around her... both smiling and appearing very happy as Subaru used his free hand to scroll through some pictures he's taken on his phone, some even being from today.

Subaru: "this is nice... see why I decided to pick the house near here?" He said as she nods.

Rem: "it really is beautiful to see... I'm sorry I ruined the surprise though..." she said with a slightly sad frown.

Subaru: "don't be, it's fine... just being like this now, it was worth the spoil." He said bringing her closer as she quickly smiled again.

Rem: "so Subaru... you're really from beyond the great waterfall, huh?" She said as he nods, closing his phone and putting it away.

Subaru: "yeah... I'm sorry I didn't properly tell you, I understood there was consequences with R.B.D but when it came to that I thought you'd all just see me as completely crazy."

Rem: "it's fine... though rem already somewhat knew you were from elsewhere very far away by how weirdly you dressed and acted with everyone, as did sister and some others." She teased.

Subaru: "h-hey!" He said embarrassed as he starts to chuckle slightly while she giggles before they slowly stop as she thinks for a bit.

Rem: "Subaru... when I saw you try mentioning Return by death to others in the past, it came with consequences along with Emilia suddenly dying... what's changed for it not to happen now?" She said looking to him as Subaru then leans back more into the tree with a sigh.

Subaru: "well, things happened at Pleiades watchtower... saw many things and new areas there, faced Roy who got out of prison by eating his name, then I faced stride vollachia: the actual archbishop of pride-"

Rem: "wait... Roy broke out? stride vollachia was still alive?! But he and his wife were supposed to have been eaten by valgren then soon after eviscerated with the dragon by volcanica!" She said with some surprise as Subaru shrugs.

Subaru: "he was... but his spirit somehow made it into the watchtower and was still strong enough to sustain who he was, he then used Roy's defeated body to fully revive himself and to fully beat him and then have you and others names and memories released... well, let's just say the witch of envy's own envy has now been put at ease." He said raising a hand as amber miasma flowed about it, with Rem's eyes widening.

Rem: "Y-your miasma... it's more potent and identifiable as the witch of envy's...!" She said looking at it before a faint transparent overcoat showing Subaru's transformation appeared on him, with amber miasma flowing around him while causing her to blush slightly at his looks.

Subaru: "Satella's envy witch factor is now compatible with hers with part of it now also in me as I was also compatible due to my own envy which I had come to accept for a while, with envy herself getting the both love's wanted and me going full control of my given ability... sorry if the smell of it disgusts you greatly..." he said with a little upset frown as rem looks to have added something up.

Rem: "so that's why... it's alright Subaru, besides your miasma's smell now is... fragrant, giving, easing... I definitely like and don't mind the change." She said with a smile as she sniffs him, happy to not be repulsed one bit doing so now.

Subaru: "wait, my miasma doesn't make me stink anymore?... thank goodness! I'm glad you and others can now smell me without problem!" He said happily before the faint transparent overcoat fades with his miasma unmanifesting as rem giggles a bit at that.

Rem: "Rem's happy too... it can also help when we have to fight other cultist's together." She said as Subaru nods before painfully wincing and grunting worrying her.

Rem: "Subaru!"

Subaru: "I-I'm fine... n-ngh! Sorry, seems like that new transformation I have has restrictions of its own just like my authority's, that and my body's probably still trying to get fully used to it." He said smoothing her head to calm her- which works a little as the pain slowly fades, there was some silence before he looked to her.

Subaru: "so rem... are you alright with me now being a monstrous fiend of envy? it's alright if you don't, I'd understand after all." He said as she smiled to him and nods without hesitation.

Rem: "what you'll now be seen as or called doesn't matter, to me you'd still be the Subaru who's saved me despite it all- a risen hero..." he said as Subaru's expression dropped slightly.

Subaru: "rem, you know I've come to accept I'm no such thing after everything, especially as im now the barer of envy... I can't be a-" he said before she placed a finger on his lips to stop him.

Rem: "I understand, but that doesn't make your actions any less heroic to me and everyone you've helped... Subaru Natsuki is truly an amazing person, and I know that you'll never stoop down to their levels." She said as Subaru was a bit shocked for a second before giving a soft smile, both then gently placing their foreheads against each other lovingly.

Subaru: "... you always somehow make the place brighter at times, you know that?"

Rem: "hehe, maybe one day it will be bright enough to blind you." She teased causing him to chuckle before he kisses her head.

Subaru: "maybe... well, we've been here for a bit, it's best we head back before there's much worry." He said as she nods in agreement at that, before letting out a slight yelp as he picked her up in a bridal carry.

Rem: "s-Subaru...!" She said blushing as he gave her a confident smile.

Subaru: "I can get us back there quicker like this, just hold on tight." He said as rem didn't complain and wraps her arms around his neck as she blushed a bit more.

Subaru then begins to jog forward before he mana burst up with her as she gave another yelp of surprise before the two teleport away, as some amber flashes flash about the forest that's were headed in the direction of the house.

Few minutes later, back at the house:

After a bit Subaru then appears back near the house, carrying rem as he jogged out a teleport before slowly coming to a stop, gently placing rem down on her feet as she held her head a bit dazed.

Subaru: "there, sorry if that much teleporting didn't make you feel great..."

Rem: "I-I'm fine, just dazed slightly... it felt thrilling." She said with a smile, him soon returning one as both then held hands.

Subaru: "well your senses will get used to it after a bit, same went with mine and the others." He said as both approached the house and notice the others with some surprise before Subaru gives a smile as rem giggles.

Spica: "WEEEEEEEE~!!!!"

Gilbert: "weeeeeeee!!!"

Meili: "c-carefull spica, keep yourself secure on him!"

Beatrice: "make sure to keep that upper body at its current rotation speed."

Spica was currently sitting on Gilbert's shoulder, both having their arms in the air as he spins his upper body around as they seem to enjoy themselves while both Meili and Beatrice were beside them looking with some concern while Zarestia and ram were watching over them before the two notice they had arrived as ram quickly goes to hug rem.

Ram: "rem, please don't worry me like that when we just fully got you back." She said as rem hugs back.

Rem: "sorry sister... I had a rough moment, but as you see: Subaru had come right after to help me." She's said with some tears before they part as ram and Subaru look to each other seriously while rem felt a bit uneasy before ram bowed to both their surprise.

Ram: "Subaru Natsuki, I must thank you for everything you have done for us and especially my sister... the actions we've done against you are inexcusable, I don't expect any apology but I just wanted to let you know of my gratitude." She said as both saw her tearing up under her hardened facade as rem frowns sadly before Subaru sighs after some silence.

Subaru: "please don't bow for me, doesn't feel nice or right... I can't forgive and forget some actions you and the others have done to me, but that doesn't mean we can't rectify some things." He said as ram looks up with some surprise before seeing Subaru place a hand out.

Subaru: "so... wanna start over? You can still call me whatever you want, but your gonna have to work with me if we want this to work out, got it?" He said smiling, with some incentive as ram blinks at this before giving a small genuine smile and shakes his hand.

Ram: "very well, I can live with that... basaru." She said as he gave a hum at that, knowing she would stick with that as rem smiled at the sight happily.

Zarestia: "miss rem, seeing that your happy I suppose the situation between you and Subaru has been resolved?" She's said with said going up beside her as rem nods.

Rem: "yes, and I'm really happy... though I wonder how ram will react to him being her future brother in- opps!" She said blushing a bit while scratching her cheek before realising what she said as the two girls quickly understood.

Zarestia: "Eh?! Miss rem and Subaru are in a courtship?!" She said turning a bit red.

Ram: "what?! Basaru...!" She said getting angry as he blushed waving his hands quickly.

Subaru:"h-hold it! My feelings for Emilia have been different for a while now so there's no need for concern... my feelings for rem however, well you can notice now clearly." He said as the two held hands again with slight blush's before ram gives an annoyed yet accepting sigh.

Ram: "alright... rem clearly loves you and you her so I don't see why I need to act... but dare hurt my sister, and you'll face a worse fate than what's already been given." She said as Subaru nods.

Subaru: "I understand, I'd probably do something to myself if I even did... but I know you won't be alone in that endeavour." He said looking to Zarestia who gave him and warning look as ram notices and huffs.

Ram: "good to see you at least understand that."  She as Subaru sigh with some annoyance before smiling a bit as rem was happy.

Rem: "thank you sister!" She said smiling brightly as ram couldn't help but smile a bit seeing her sister like that as Zarestia also gave a smile before the 4 went to the rest.

Spica: "Thanks mr.Gilbert! Wow wow!" She said as Gilbert gently lifts her off him and places her down.

Gilbert: "I enjoyed it also... you lot are too adorable to obliterate."

Beatrice: "Compliment taken... despite its unease, I suppose." She said a bit unsure how to comment on that, with Meili giving a nervous laugh itching her cheek while spica giggles before they all see the 4 approach them.

Spica: "mama! Papa! Is everything ok?" She said rushing to them as she hugs the two.

Rem: "everything's alright now spica... even a little better." She said as both her and subaru hug her back, with Meili being a bit surprised noticing the development as she looks to Beatrice who shrugs giving a slight pout at the sight before the 3 part.

Subaru: "yea... thanks for keeping an eye on them Gilbert. oh! Gilbert, these two are Meili and ram- you've already met spica and rem." He said as Gilbert looks to the 4.

Gilbert: "Greetings, Subaru has informed me much about you all and now that you've re-acquired your past experiences and memories miss rem... I would like to discuss the many categories on how you have dealt with those inferior witch cultists and other threats, your rage for them is admirable and it would be pleasing for us to discuss and better handle future encounters." He said sounding happy to now properly interact with another who had an animosity that's similar to his, Zarestia and a few others in some aspect as she shakes his claws.

Rem: "I-it's nice to see you again as well gilbert, I'll make sure to remember that." She said a bit caught off by this, but happy to see a friend... one that she'll likely get along very nicely with now.

Zarestia: "but of course, miss rem is to be admired just like myself!" She said ram has began to settle on that all spirits are quirky like this at this point with a straight and annoyed face, before they heard some thumping coming towards them and see patrasche had approached.

Meili: "Patrasche! So this is where you were!" She said happily petting him with spica joining as she squeals, happy to see everyone again before both she and rem notice the other and stare at each other for a moment... until rem then pets her head with her accepting it.

Rem: "it's good to see you again as well patrasche... thank you for looking after my Subaru, we all appreciate it." She said as patrasche squeals proudly as Subaru chuckles with ram huffing.

Ram: "knowing him he definitely needed it."

Subaru: "oh, like you didn't either with rem and Roswaal?" He said causing everyone to look at him surprised, especially ram by this response.

Subaru: "remember, things have changed: so when I said you could continue 'biting' at me, I didn't say I couldn't bite back." He said with a slight smirk before chuckling as others joined him.

Ram: "hm, touché." She said with a slight smile, before they notice Halibel come over with Ricardo and an elderly wolf-man.

Halibel: "hey Subaru, sorry if we're interrupting but our main lead wanted to come over and personally say his own thanks." He said as the elder nods while many within the house began to come outside.

"Indeed... you've just gotten this nice place and yet let this event for me be hosted here, as a friend of Halibel and for your kindness I offer you my gratitude." He said with a slight bow as Subaru smiled.

Subaru: "it's fine, besides today's also kind of a special day for me too... oh! It's time! Beatrice, Gilbert, just as we planned!" He said turning to the two clicking his fingers.

Beatrice: "Betty is always ready, move it rouge spirit!" She said appearing on Gilbert's shoulders.

Gilbert: "Understood! Commencing explosive festivities!" He said as both rush into the distance, while Subaru leads them all to sitting on the houses porch, with spica sitting on Rem's lap and gestures to the sky and wait.

After a minute of waiting soon colourful lights begin shooting from the ground into the sky from a far distance, before it explodes into many colours with a bang as many were awed by the sight.

Meili: "w-whoa! B-big brother Subaru, what are they?!"

Subaru: "Fireworks! They're used in festivities when the sky darkens as to entertain others- most at a far distance because of safety and ear sensitivity. Though this is not how they're usually done as these ones are made from Gilbert and Beatrice using some magic and mana, but it works the same exact way and is still nice to see..." he said with some nostalgia.

Halibel: "*whistles* so this is what they were preparing for... nice timing and planning."

Zarestia: "explosive magic used for festivities... not a bad sight." She said intrigued.

Spica: "wow wow!"

Ram: "the noise is annoying, but the payoff... is nice I'll admit." She said rubbing one of her ears as Gilbert and Beatrice reappear by them.

Gilbert: "instructions followed, explosive festivities accomplished." He said going to kneel behind Zarestia and beside Ricardo while Beatrice went to sit on Subaru's lap.

Beatrice: "I've made it so this will continue on for a bit with some combined magic as said... now praise me, I suppose." She said as Subaru chuckled and pets her head making her smile, he then feels a head on his shoulder and notices it was rem who had comfortably placed hers.

Rem: "mayonnaise, fireworks... I suppose you've experienced many nice things from where you are from that you also want us to also experience with you, right Subaru?~" She said giving him a gentle smile as he also gave one of his own before placing his head on top hers as both blush.

Subaru: "we all and the others deserve to have moments like this after everything... and I hope we still can now even despite the differences." He said with her giving a gentle hum, both embracing their tranquility full heartedly while everyone enjoy's the moment in their current peacetime.

Chapter Text

About over three and a half months since being forgotten:

Subaru, patrasche and Gilbert were now currently slowly going through a small forest as the trees and fauna covered their view of the sky which the bumpy terrain amplified, as Subaru was walking alongside patrasche as he shared some safe and nutritious berries between them while Gilbert was also beside him though positioned more forward as he inspected Subaru as he appeared more healthy since their escape.

Gilbert: "your body has retuned to a stable healthy state, it will still require a bit of time to regain its proper condition but if progress continues like this it should be soon." He said as Subaru gives a slight nod before swallowing a berry, as then there was some silence as he looks to his free hand and flexes it a bit before looking up a bit.

Subaru: "... I must become stronger, I must be better... I have to with how everything is now, even get a new whip since guiltywhip is gone." He said as patrasche eats some berries with a squeal.

Gilbert: "That is why the current destination I set is our priority."

Subaru: "I see that it would be harder for others to find us as we went south before making a turn to the north, but why chart a course to getsuko?... I don't mind it as I haven't been there yet, despite some concerns from certain things I've heard about it and my current clothes."

Gilbert: "Despite the possible changes in both terrain and layout over the years, there's a small hidden room that is one of the few work and resting stations that had been created in certain parts within each nation, to which Flugel had used in his earlier years to create things quickly without returning back to his primary residence. It should assist us greatly in multiple factors, along with your clothing predicament." He said as Subaru is a bit surprised before giving a slight smile as he thinks.

Subaru: "So a safe-house, that sounds like something he'd do... despite it definitely aging and some probable adjustments we'll have to do it'll definitely help out, thanks for informing."

Gilbert: "All knowledge can be of use even if outdated, both old and new are valuable in their own rights." He said as Subaru gave a hum at that.

Subaru: "... hey Gilbert, what was satella like back then? How was your relationship with her?" He said with wonder while not asking about Flugel, seeing a bit of visible raging tension from him at the name.

Gilbert: "she was very kind... she acted as a caring caretaker to both shaula and I when coming to see us both and mostly arrived alongside Flugel, I saw her as a parental figure... envy despite being a bit vocal and showing care to flugel was mostly very silent to everyone."

Subaru: "really? Well since I met her envy hasn't been silent one bit with me and is very vocal with her obsession... saying she loves me constantly with each meeting, even heard her say the same to flugel." He said having not heard any other words from envy much aside from those main 3.

Gilbert: "what you've said doesn't imply to envy, Subaru." He said fully catching his attention.

Gilbert: "The meaning of Envy: a feeling of discontent or resentment towards something, Envy is wanting what another has... you're statements conclude to jealousy: a fear of something taking away an attachment." He said causing Subaru to think in silence before noticing something.

Subaru: "say, why haven't you eaten any of the berries we've gathered?"

Gilbert: "I do not need food to survive, the mana and sustenances do help empower me but i just need to absorb and feed off the natural mana around us like normal people do In this world to sustain myself. I also find it more unnecessary to do so as both you and patrasche do need them." He said simply as Subaru seemed a bit bothered by that.

Subaru: "well... the boost could be useful if we encounter something threatening, so why don't you eat a few at least." He handing out a few berries to him as Gilbert looks to him expressing a bit of surprise.

Gilbert: "you still wish to give me some... despite your and patrasche's current situation?"

Subaru: "well you have slept for centuries and most likely haven't eaten anything yet, so it might also help your body a bit." He said as Gilbert looks at the berries and soon grabs them, inspecting them a bit more before eating them.

Gilbert: "... despite little ripeness, they give a sweet and juicy taste with their nutrition." He said as Subaru couldn't help but laugh a bit at that.

Subaru: "hehe, I can already tell... eh- oh! don't worry patrasche, we still have enough for you." He said as patrasche had nudged him a bit before he noticed and fed her some more berries.

Patrasche then does a small squeal as Subaru then pets her with a small smile while Gilbert also expressed a bit of ease due to the current atmosphere around them, as the 3 continued their course to their current destination.

Meanwhile, somewhere in getsuko within a tavern:

At one filled circular table a group made up of 6 girls sat, having some worm food as it snowed outside, while other groups of people chat and drink around them, enjoying themselves as some of the girls were having a bit of a lighthearted argument.

???: "give that back lilac, that was on my plate!" Said a green haired elf.

Lilac: "Like I would after you took the same piece of food off my plate last time Shion!" Said a purple haired elf phantom.

Shion: "that was because you did the same thing when we had these dishes before that!" She said as the two were tugging a piece of cooked meat between each other with their utensils.

???: "c'mon lilac, why don't you just share the food like palmyra is doing with colette?" said a blond haired nun, gesturing a black haired girl placing food on a brown haired girls plate.

Lilac: "Noelle, we all know that she spoils the girl at times when she even had a small frown on her face." She said with a deadpanned look.

Shion: "yeah I have to agree with her on that, but the sight of them doing so looks adorable." She said smiling at the sight and annoying palmyra.

Palmyra: "oi! I may be a bit overprotective and I don't like seeing colette sad, but I do not spoil her!" She said annoyed as colette became a bit flustered.

Colette: "w-well... y-you do kinda do that a bit at times palmyra." She said while fiddling with her utensils a bit, causing palmyra to become a bit embarrassed causing lilac to smirk and noelle to sigh a bit.

Noelle: "We're getting off topic..." she said before a sudden slash of wind magic cuts the meat in half as both Shion and lilac fall back into their seats and quickly rebalance themselves.

???: "dispute resolved, now you both can enjoy it." Said a voice as they look to a white haired half-elf who drank some tea, appearing to be thinking about something.

Shion: "yes!" She said before quickly gulping the sliced piece of meat down while Lyra gave a slight grunt at that before doing the same.

Palmyra: "you've been a bit quiet today, something bothering you?" She said with some concern as the girl places her tea down and gives a smile.

???: "on the contrary, I am intrigued~" She said confusing them.

Colette: "w-what do you mean?"

???: "I feel an attraction~... you could say it's one of those 'gut feelings' people have."

Palmyra: "stop messing with words and get to the point omega!" She said with some anger as she usually talked like that while omega just stays smiling.

Omega: "very well... as we've heard, there's a small sightings of injured mabeasts attacking few traders around the south- mostly near the lugunica border recently, I thought why not change course a bit and begin heading over there in a few days." She said catching their attention.

Shion: "though i know each of us don't mind helping others out a bit, considering it could cause future problems for us if something is causing the mabeast to be there from the description of their injuries... why did you suddenly decide so?" She said eating more off her plate.

Omega: "just have a feeling an old friend I know will appear around that area sometime soon." She said while rubbing her nose a bit as lilac narrows her eyes.

Lilac: "old friend... could it be the same one that taught you that language?"

Omega: "maybe~" she answered annoying her.

Noelle: "well, if we are altering our course somewhat we'll need to prepare a bit more, after all who knows if we encounter something on the way we'll need to handle, so I say we get started on that once we wake up first thing tomorrow." She said as the rest agree.

The 5 girls then continue eating their meals and enjoy themselves while omega looks to the snow slowly falling outside the window, as murmurs with multiple different voices go through her head while the glintstone necklace she wears faintly glows 5 different colours beneath her modified black robe.

Omega: I do indeed hope these feelings are true... after all it'll definitely be interesting in our first meeting physically.

_______

A Few days later, at the lugunica and getsuko border:

The small group of 3 were now quickly going through a small open and frosty landscape that had some trees and fauna about in the morning, as Subaru was riding patrasche who sprinted and jumped about while Gilbert followed close beside them with fire bursting from his clawed hands alongside his normal small thrusters on his body.

Subaru: "we're not even fully in the nation yet and I can already feel the cold breezes! Gilbert, how far within getsuko is our destination!" He said while holding on tight as patrasche made more firmer steps the further they enter into getsuko.

Gilbert: "its located near the border, Flugel had created this one near a village which people traveled close to the border and back for certain crops that could be grown in the conditions there!" He said while swerving his body around some sharp socks with ease and boost himself over a pothole as patrasche leaps over a rock with a squeal.

Subaru: "so we're closing in?!" He said as patrasche jumps over a few potholes about as Gilbert speeds ahead of them.

Gilbert: "affirmative! Once fully entering snowy terrain we should come across it!" He said as he avoids some small icicles that have been formed by the nations climate before going through a large one as patrasche rushes past him- making it seem like a little race.

They continue making their way into getsuko as the ground beneath them began to be covered completely in snow the further they go, then after some time passed they soon see some buildings in the distance with a few trees around it.

Subaru: "I see buildings up ahead!" He said as they pick up the pace a bit before slowing down as they see that the village was run down, with no sign of activity or anyone being around.

Gilbert: "No signs of life detected, no evidence of activity for years either." He said showing a bit that he was solemn by this as Subaru looked about the place with a frown.

Subaru: "what happened here?" He said as Gilbert inspects some infrastructure.

Gilbert: "Many possibilities of events: abandonment, being forced out, changes in the environment... everything and the stories created alongside them have an end, even if it's an unavoidable tragedy." He said scribing his claws across some wood as Subaru looks down frowning, very bothered by it as he thinks.

The two then walk for a bit, going through the abandoned run-down village before stopping just outside, arriving at a small rock formation with a tree and some logs and branches in between each as Subaru gets off patrasche and jolts a bit due to not being in the snowy ground until now.

Subaru: "cold! Cold! T-the snow is more freezing than I thought." He said as his body adjusted a bit to the temperature while Gilbert approached the rock formation and inspects it.

Gilbert: "its hidden location should be here despite the changes... there." He said before tossing a branch over a rock and then moves a rock back, as the rock slides with ease due to it having objects attached that makes it act as a door of sorts, revealing stares that led down.

Subaru: "An underground safe-house, sweet!" He said as they begin going down the stairs.

Gilbert: "With the nations natural weather along with many other factors, having his... 'safe-houses' around getsuko be located underground or within hardened terrain was favourable in many ways, including warmth." He said as Subaru nods in understanding as they reach the bottom and look throughout the room as Subaru hums with some surprise.

Subaru: "hm, despite not being used for so long it doesn't look like it needs much refurbishing." He said as despite some obvious aging, the room could still be used.

The room had a large workbench along with some equipment on top with some around it, a small fireplace with some lamps on the walls, a fluffy mat on the ground, a few beds and a desk that had some papers placed on it, Gilbert then goes towards the fire place.

Gilbert: "I shall handle the fireplace, you handle the lamps." He said, igniting the fireplace as Subaru goes to a lamp looking a bit confused and inspects it.

Subaru: "Aren't these time lamps, I'm not sure how I'll start them with my defective mana gate- ow! This thing just stuck a needle in my hand!" He shouts as after placing a hand beneath it, a needle then pops out- going into his and before retracting as he lets go.

Gilbert: "Those are mana-torch lamps, Flugel had created them to be powered by mana while also giving them their own mechanism to syphon mana in circumstances of quick refueling and in the cases of one having a defective mana gate." He said surprising Subaru as the lamp the lights up with Subaru looking at his hand to see that the cut had healed up.

Subaru: "well, that's pretty useful." He said before going to another lamp and prepares himself with a sigh, placing a hand beneath it as a needle comes out to syphon mana making him wince.

Subaru: "um, Gilbert?... was Flugel's mana gate similar to mine?" He said with some thought as Gilbert was silent for a moment before shaking his head as he controlled the flames.

Gilbert: "No, at least not defective. From the knowledge I gathered, Flugel's magic was revolutionary at the time with the amount of mana he held being deadly to combustion, the only concern of it though was that he couldn't use much magic in his early days as his own gate couldn't fully handle it... until he found a way to do so by combining both his mana with his large amount of contaminated mana, or as its come to be known by: miasma."

Subaru: "he combined them?!" He said with surprise while going to another mana-torch lamp.

Gilbert: "in doing so it strengthened and mutated his mana gate to unknown lengths, allowing him to use magic without problems and even create some new that are most likely being used today or have been forgotten overtime- the only side effect was that it couldn't be seen through normal sight." He said as Subaru whistles.

Subaru: "still hearing that and knowing I'm his descendant... wow..." he said as patrasche squeals as she places herself down on the mat.

Gilbert: "Though before that could be achieved... he had to focus, learn and master a skilful ability that is very hard to master: Miasma control." He said as Subaru finishes powering up each mana-torch lamp and goes to sit on a bed shaking his hand about a bit.

Subaru: "miasma control?" He said interested.

Gilbert: "As you most likely know: little miasma is found in every living thing like mana, except individuals who manage to use contaminated mana having more than normal- allowing those who could catch its scent to smell it. I also detect you having an unnatural amount of it, along with being informed that you are in possession of multiple authority's." He said turning to him.

Subaru: "so Flugel told you about that, did he also mention each are from different sin factors along with my ability to gain them from others if I'm involved in their defeat?" He said as Gilbert nods standing up as his tail fans the flames a bit.

Gilbert: "He has implied that. I do not know each authority's names or abilities currently in your possession, but having them does help get a grasp on miasma control and you having multiple increases that along with the dragons blood curse you've taken." He said gesturing to his blackened hand and arm, relieving Subaru a bit before he lifts a brow.

Subaru: "so what is it exactly?"

Gilbert: "Miasma does not use an elemental structure unlike mana, it's a residue basis that evolves to the emotions and aspirations of those that have a grasp on it, a mix between an extension of oneself and a tool that must be grasped firmly. While it's known that nobody can have the same authority unless under special circumstances or the holder dies, having miasma control could grant you the ability to do something similar yet different to it."

Subaru: "seriously?!" He said shocked as Gilbert nods.

Gilbert: "Miasma revolves around the unknown and unnatural to many, it's how it was naturally seen as something to fear... in order to master your control of it you must fully accept all parts of who you truly are, the trial of oneself." He said as Subaru blinks a bit at that and thinks slightly.

Subaru: "right... I can guess some others who also had good control of it, suppose you also have a certain amount of miasma control?" He said as Gilbert was in thought.

Gilbert: "its complicated... but to my current knowledge it mostly only effects my body. We should train your authority's alongside mana control in your training." He said going to the workbench as Subaru nods a bit.

Subaru: "yeah, I can properly get started on that now." He said moving his shoulder a bit.

Gilbert: "then to increase your efficiency and growth slightly quicker I shall place and put up some objects and targets in places with most stability." He said grabbing some objects from the workstation.

Subaru: "that said, aside from me needing to train... we also need clothes considering things, not to mention I need some new gear." He said scratching his head seeing their current looks as Gilbert soon nods.

Gilbert: "I shall take to handling that personally... I'll begin the preparations for your training tomorrow outside, take the time to settle in and prepare." He said before leaving as Subaru nods, petting patrasche who placed her head beneath his hand as he pets her with a slight smile while doing as told.

Later at nightime:

Subaru once again stirred awake silently with some sweat from a nightmare with a sigh, before his eyes adjust a bit as he looks to see patrasche sleeping on them mat before noticing that Gilbert was still up and stood over the desk, looking at the papers in thought as the mana-torch lamps gave dim lighting to the room.

Gilbert: "Subaru." He said without looking.

Subaru: "Gilbert...? What time is it...?" He said sitting up.

Gilbert: "it's just past midnight... you've only slept for a few hours again." He said as Subaru sighs massaging his forehead.

Subaru: "damnit... I haven't seen you sleep once, are you still staying up?"

Gilbert: "I have stated the fact that I never need rest, so I saw no reason to do so." He said as Subaru was still bothered by that and stands up.

Subaru: "still, rest helps many... what are you looking at?" He said going beside him before being surprised.

Subaru: "Th-those drawings, they resemble the main 7 sin witches... Flugel really knew them well, huh?" He said as Gilbert nods.

Gilbert: "to my knowledge he was personally friendly with each, even to working alongside them... the closest being a half-elf and a witch of greed." He said taking a drawing out from beneath the paper as Subaru looks and is surprised.

Subaru: "satella and echidna... they were best friends?" He said as it showed a picture of satella and echidna sitting together with Japanese writing saying 'longtime friends' above them.

Gilbert: "it was heavily implied, but due to circumstances it had changed overtime... each figure in the hero's party 4 centuries ago were friendly with each other." He said as Subaru, despite his grudge towards echidna wandered what happened between them.

Subaru: "hm... wait, I recognise the girl being minerva but who's that with her." He said pointing to another drawing that showed Minerva trying to control her anger with a man assisting her as he wiped a tear.

Gilbert: "through her travels Minerva met an elf and they grew fond of each other, afterwards when she took a break from travelling she resided in the elf village he lived in... it is unfortunate to learn of her fate by them after his demise." He said a seeming a bit bothered by it as Subaru gave a small nod while inspecting it a bit, his eyes then widen as he looks down thinking a bit before looking to the other drawings.

Subaru: "a groggy sekhmet sleeping in the same cave of mabeasts that disturbed her, wonder how he handled her... carmilla hiding in a barrel, they must've gotten along great... typhon taking his arm, expected that... huh?" He said looking through the pictures before noticing that Gilbert was holding a picture of Daphne who was covering her eyes and smiling.

Subaru: "Daphne... she was Shaula's mabeast creator, you also interacted with her?" He said curiously as Gilbert stayed silent for a moment.

Gilbert: "... she was one of the very first individuals I came into contact with alongside Flugel- along with her centipede coffin being the first construct seen, afterwards we had interacted on many more occasions and bonded well despite the differences in her animalistic personality and my own, despite the time between each lengthening due to circumstances... her hunger being most prominent." he said before he became visibly bothered.

Gilbert: "she hated it... all she ever wanted was the hunger to end, that others also wouldn't suffer the same curse of hunger she had even if that curse had influenced her mindset, with the abilities of creation also having side effects." He said surprising him a bit at the new information.

Subaru: "that explains quite a bit... what was your relationship with her?"

Gilbert: "she was one of the few I had a close bond with, and one of the... 'confusing' two. It had evolved overtime during when my... emotions were also fully developing. Then the time came where she decided to stay within the sand dunes underground sand sea, forcing herself to suffer from starvation, I met her one last time, with her permission I loosened the restraints on her body and eyes, we shared a moment with her giving me one last gift... and I watched her die." He said as there was dead silence while Subaru grimaced.

Subaru knew he had messed up on that, while he had his own thoughts and feelings on the witches of sin through their brief meeting- Gilbert had known them personally, Daphne being the most sensitive subject as it was clear the two did have an interest in each other and seeing someone you love suffer and die in front of you was not a good feeling... especially from experience.

Subaru: "... shit...! Gilbert I... I-I didn't know... I'm sorry..." He said as Gilbert gestured it was fine before gently placing the drawn picture of her back on the desk.

Gilbert: "despite shaula seeing her as a mother, Daphne herself never considered any of her creations as children. While the white whale and great rabbit were to act as food sources once killed and the black snake a killing tool, the others beings she had a hand in creating were to accomplish one goal: to break the shackles of obsessive desire... I was glad to be the one who had done it so she could rest at peace." He said as Subaru gave a slow nod.

Subaru: "I see... so what was your obsessive desire?" He said as Gilbert freezes and becomes completely quiet.

Subaru: "Gilbert?" He said as Gilbert stays silent, his eyes slowly giving a red glow as multiple memories go through his head, with more metalic looking limbs along with blood skin tissue becoming more prominent in each while certain multiple words and sentences go through his head.

Subaru: "Gilbert!" He said louder catching his attention as the red glow in his eyes fade, with patrasche squealing slightly while shifting in her sleep irritated as Subaru mentally apologised.

Gilbert: "Apologies, certain memories had clouded my thought process, as for my obsessive desire... It was meaningless to that I don't need to state it." He said as there was silent as Subaru soon nods with a frown.

Subaru: "Alright... but if want to talk more about it and what happened before you're long slumber, I wouldn't mind and be happy to lend an ear." He said as Gilbert soon gives a nod.

Gilbert: "That is... appreciated. As you are currently awake for the moment, it would be efficient to have a conversation on an important subject." He said before a certain metallic part of his body opens up before closing as he pulls out a colourful looking gem to Subaru's surprise.

Subaru: "What kind of gem is that?" He said eyeing it with intrigue.

Gilbert: "This is known as a manastone, a formation of mana taken physical form overtime or created manually by careful and precise use of mana control. It can be of one specific element or multiple and all spirits see it as a way to increase their strength, it's also known to be delicate when used in crafting objects, for instance: glintstone's... it was also a main component for my creation." He said surprising Subaru a bit while he recalls the glintstone's he has seen before.

Subaru: "Seriously?! I always wondered how they were made... is this what you wanted to talk about?" He said before Gilbert gave a nod as two go to the workbench.

Gilbert: "indeed, but first I must question if you know of mana poisoning?" He said placing the mana stone on an object which holds it.

Subaru: "I do, since my gate became defective Beatrice helped me manage it but seeing nothing bad's happened yet I'm still in the clear... and now that I'm forgotten she must just stay in my room." He said with a sad look as from what he's heard from rem and spica while imprisoned, she now stuck in the room that was also once his as she's torn between staying there and the want to leave.

Gilbert: "well I must inform that the amount of mana you've accumulated is alarmingly more than how much one must accumulate to combust from it." He said causing him to go pale.

Subaru: "... h-how am I alive?!"

Gilbert: "This isn't the first instance as Flugel was also known to continuously accumulate mana without combustion... it's unknown if it's due to coming from another world or other different factors, but to ensure your safety we must regulate and expel it." He said as Subaru caught on.

Subaru: "That's what the manastone is for then." He said as Gilbert nods before inspecting him.

Gilbert: "...inform me, what is your greatest physical strength?" He said catching him off by the question before he thinks.

Subaru: "Well... I guess acting quickly? I do usually run and exercise a lot even before coming to this world." He said causing Gilbert to nod as he repositioned certain objects on the workbench.

Gilbert: "Then I will craft it into something that will be of use to those strengths... may I also use the opportunity to get started on upgrading your devise so that it connects to the ones of this world? Its configuration will be carefully done." He said as Subaru nods and gives him his phone.

Subaru: "it'll be nice for it to finally have more uses here." He said before yawning a bit.

Gilbert: "I will begin on your devise and crafting both our gear... you return to rest, it'll be very necessary for the coming days." He said as Subaru nods.

Subaru: "alright... but I will still try getting you to rest a bit... good night." He said as he pets patrasche who grumbles in comfort before lying down back on his bed while Gilbert quietly got to work, using a claw as a pen as he begins a design while using his free hand to place some materials.

_______

Early in the morning the next day, after Subaru and patrasche awakened along with some eating and talking, the three were now emerged from the underground safehouse as they went to the abandoned run-down village, to which Subaru and patrasche were surprised to see it cleaned up a bunch with some obstacles and targets placed about.

Subaru: "you know, you didn't have to convert the whole place... kinda feels like I had asked too much." He said scratching his head with a sweatdrop.

Gilbert: "I personally wanted to make full use of the town... if you do feel as such, you can use it to make yourself go further in your training." He said as they soon come to a stop.

Gilbert: "We'll start off with your miasma control, what authority's do you have that can be used in conflict?" He said as Subaru stretches his back.

Subaru: "well the first Is a sloth factor I named invisible providence: which manifests only one unseen hand, it gives a painful backlash when used though." He said as Gilbert hums.

Gilbert: "hm, if I may give some insight: why not use it as intended?" He said confusing him.

Subaru: "what do you mean?"

Gilbert: "The factors of each authority are more efficient when used in correspondence with their sin, so if used with slothful intent-"

Subaru: "-it might trick it into working without backlash from it's use, why didn't I think of that!" He said catching on.

Gilbert then gestures to him a target close by them, causing him to walk a bit before using invisible providence as an unseen and then goes over and crushes it- surprising patrasche a little as she gives a slight squeal, after its use he feels a slight pain but not as bad as before before smiling a bit as he looks to them.

Subaru: "It worked! I didn't feel much backlash unlike before!" He said wiping away a bit of blood that came from his nose.

Gilbert: "This should improve further through your training, now the next?"

Subaru: "Next is a greed factor i named cor leonis: which shifts the burden of a persons pain and injuries to me and I could also split it amongst others close to me but only if they accept, it doesn't seem to be limited but it's a very strict one... not sure how we can train that, but I guess we can deal with taking on more pain through physical training." He said with thought.

Gilbert: "agreed... next?"

Subaru: "The last one is an envy factor I've decided to name disconnected blink: which lets me teleport short distances wherever I want, despite a bit of a headache from the... chaotic first few times used, I'm able to use it without any problems and even bring objects and people with me though they also get the same effects at first." He said as Gilbert thinks.

Gilbert: "...what length of a short distance exactly and how much?"

Subaru: "To a bit of a distance before forcing me to reappear, I can also use it as much times as I want." He said before teleporting about a few times until stopping beside them.

Gilbert: "we'll train on its versatile uses then." He said as they walk to another place nearby.

Subaru: "Ah! Physical training, my specialty! You already have an idea on what I can do so what's been set up for me?" He questioned while doing body stretches as Gilbert soon nods.

Gilbert: "Correct, first is your weapon and aim accuracy- as you've mentioned your better effectiveness in using a whip, I have put together a training whip for you to improve upon." He said as he tail came up as it gave Subaru the training whip it held before closing.

Subaru: "thanks, this'll help a bunch." He said with a nod.

Subaru then goes and positions himself before testing the whip on a close target, with it taking a few tries before his muscle fully memory kicked in and he was able to hit the target without much trouble, he then makes some snowballs and throws them- with few hitting and the rest missing.

Gilbert: "next is traversal, I've prepared and joined together some of the infrastructure for this." He said gesturing the course he's prepared.

Subaru: "parkour then, let's see how well I do on this course." He said as he then goes to the course and goes through it quickly as he could before making it to the other end as patrasche and Gilbert had gone around and waited for him.

Gilbert: "now is your speed and stamina, for this you'll be racing against patrasche around the area." He said as patrasche appeared interested while Subaru sweatdrops.

Subaru: "um... I'm not sure how I'll be able to keep up with patrasche of all Earth dragons Gilbert, she's very quick and agile." He said as patrasche squeals proudly.

Gilbert: "Which is why she is your opponent, if you learn and are able keep up with her your speeds will improve greatly... you have stated many reasons to push to these extremes, have you not?" He said as Subaru soon sighs and nervously looks to patrasche.

Subaru: "j-just don't completely leave me in the dust, please?" He said as patrasche gave an amused yet determined look as she shakes herself a bit.

The two then get ready to run and go into position, before they soon begin running about as patrasche speeds ahead while Subaru rushed after her the best he could, it took about 2 minutes with patrasche still remaining ahead as Subaru kept going after her despite being out of breath until his strained body fell to exhaustion as he trips and tumbles down through the snow until his body skids to a stop, with him weakly looking up to see patrasche and Gilbert having come over to check him as he kept breathing heavily.

Subaru: "ngh... I-i... I have much work to do." He said before face planting onto the snow.

Nearly a week later:

Through the days after that while Gilbert was handling crafting their new gear and giving little assistance at times, Subaru trained hard to strengthen and improve himself both physically and mentally with assistance from patrasche who also trained a little by this, despite not exactly gaining much strength yet due to his otherworldly body structure, he was now becoming more skilful and better than most normal fighters."

Each time he trained his improvements soon became more noticeable, he was more fast and agile, more precise in movement and aim, and acted smarter, better and more efficiently as he began mixing his fighting style and authority's together, though more training is still needed this was good progress considering it helped him handle a situation that soon came up:

Subaru was once again rushing after patrasche and was keeping a good pace while they rushed by some trees on the outskirts of the abandoned village, him managing to keep a certain pace with some struggle while patrasche still stayed up ahead until he hears something.

Subaru: "Slow down Patrasche! I'm hearing something!" He said slowing down as patrasche hears him and stops.

They both were now clearly hearing multiple thuds coming from close by until many small creatures of multiple colours rush by the gap between them with a fluffy one getting stuck in a small pothole as then they all jolt in surprise as a large and injured guiltylowe with some of its fur burnt and multiple objects stabbed into its body, appears with a jump and lands with a heavy thud as it growls at the creature.

Subaru: "A guiltylowe?!" He said before noticing it was about to attack the creature so he quickly acts and swoops in, saving the creature and narrowly avoiding the attack with a teleport as he reappears in front of the mabeast at a distance along with the creature in his hands, who was slightly dazed.

Subaru: "A-are you alright?" He said as the creature soon looked thankful, nodding a bit before they quickly look back to the injured guiltylowe who roared, going to leap at them before patrasche kicked it away.

Subaru: "we'll take care of this, just get to your friends!" He said as nudging it to keep running before he rushed back to help patrasche.

Patrasche kept avoiding some attacks with ease while parrying some with her tail at times as she rushed about, as the guiltylowe was about to attack her Subaru uses his whip to wrap around an object imbedded into its body before pulling it out as it roars in pain, going to leap at him before he avoids by teleporting onto patrasche as she lets out a surprised squeal.

Subaru: "sorry patrasche!" He said, holding on as patrasche gave the guiltylowe another good kick as it growls angrily and in pain while Subaru inspected it.

Subaru: "it isn't silent and sneaky as it usually is because of the injuries and those objects imbedded into its body, but why do they look familiar...? I got an idea, get in close patrasche!" He said as patrasche nods.

Right as the guiltylow was ready to attack again, patrasche began rushing at it as the mabeast charged towards them while Subaru carefully placed his feet on patrasche's back and once they were close enough he jumps and teleports into the air behind it, causing patrasche to quickly jump out the way as the mabeast charged past- as Subaru used his whip to wrap around its broken horn and pulls himself onto its back.

The guiltylowe then roars as it tried to get Subaru off as he kept himself on its back, as patrasche was running around the mabeast as it tried to also attack her to distract it, Subaru then slowly crawls over and grabs a large sharp object on its back and pulls it out making it growl, then quickly throws himself near the back of it's neck and stabs it deeply, making the mabeast roar in pain as it then manages to throw him off.

Subaru: "Quickly patrasche, the neck!" He shouts as the guiltylowe was going to crush him.

Hearing that patrasche quick leaps onto its back before jumping and slamming herself down on the sharp object stabbed in its neck, causing the guiltylowe to crash onto the ground with a loud snapping sound as it skids to a stop right by Subaru- showing no signs of life as patrasche hopped off it with a slight pain in her step as she goes to help Subaru to his feet.

Subaru: "good job patrasche, we showed it." He said as patrasche gave a proud huff before they notice Gilbert quickly approach with a small open crate in his arm as he soon slows down.

Gilbert: "I made my immediate pursuit once safely securing our possessions and hidden location after detecting the mabeast. While proving you both were successful alone, what is your current exact status?" He said as while using a little healing magic on the two before soon stopping.

Subaru: "Despite a bit of injury, we're both alright." He said as the three then look to the guiltylowe corpse, mostly eying the injuries and imbedded objects on its body.

Subaru: "A big reason we did very well against it was because of the many objects and injuries it has, it would've been much harder to beat otherwise. Any idea what those things stuck to its body are?" He said as Gilbert pulls out and scans one of the imbedded objects on its body.

Gilbert: "... from the biology and details I've gathered along with what my knowledge suggests, these objects are hardened weaponised limb pieces that originate from a hungry horse king." He said seriously, making both Subaru and patrasche tense up at the name.

Subaru: "Y-you mean that creepy centaur mabeast?! How is one of things even... shit... When envy rampaged through Pleiades watchtower, she must've also thrown some mabeasts and other objects from the watchtower into the other nations like how she threw me, rem and spica into vollachia!... it makes sense how the guiltylowe was that injured, we'll need to keep our guard up incase it's still around." He said with concern, knowing how dangerous that mabeast was with patrasche giving a squeal of agreement.

Gilbert: "It's highly advised... the material's that'll come from both the hardened limb pieces and the guiltylowe carcass will be very useful, some parts will even improve upon the gear." He said with thought as Subaru looks at the corpse before an idea came to his head.

Subaru: "hey, my old guiltywhip was made from this mabeast... you think you can make a new and improved one from it using the hardened parts of the hungry horse king?" He said catching Gilbert's attention as he soon nods.

Gilbert: "with both the hardened parts and the corpse mostly intact, I should be able to craft a more flexible, durable and very sharp tailed whip, would that be sufficient?" He said as Subaru nods with a small smile.

Subaru: "that'll be awesome, thanks." He said with a thumbs up.

The three then hear multiple sounds coming closer as they look to see the creatures that ran from the mabeast earlier had returned and were approaching them with looks of surprise, with Subaru giving an intrigued look while Gilbert's eyes widen slightly.

Subaru: "oh, it's you little guys... don't worry, we managed to handle the mabeast without much problem." He said gesturing the dead guiltylowe as the many different coloured creatures look at both the corpse and the 3 of them.

Gilbert: "Mana speakers... they are known as intelligent creatures that can bring fortune or punishment to those deserving who are connected to spirits and seen as spiritual guides residing in getsuko. They mostly stay hidden sue to their nature despite most treating them well." He said as the mana speakers come closer as subaru looks at them with curiosity.

Subaru: they're like the foxes seen around the shrines in Japan."well, I hope they don't get uncomfortable by the amount of miasma I have... but if they're here to guide me I won't follow, because Beatrice is still my contacted spirit even if gluttony made her forget me." He said with crossed arms as patrasche leaned her face closer to the mana speakers as she appears to interact with them slightly.

Gilbert: "That is commendable, but there's no need for concern... mana speakers can tell when one does or does not wish to have a contract with a spirit, and while weary of those with miasma at first they'll only see one as a threat if one wants to harm them." He said as the mana speakers begin to come close with one jumping into Subaru's arms, recognising it as the one he saved before petting it.

Subaru: "heh... they seem to like you a lot." He said placing the mana speaker down as it then joins the many that surrounded Gilbert, eyeing him with admiration and some curiosity with 3 going on his head and shoulders and one hanging into his tail.

Gilbert: "hm..." he hummed as patrasche also appeared to have 2 on her back as she squealed slightly before Subaru looked to the small open crate in his arm.

Subaru: "What's in the crate?" He said catching everyone's attention.

Gilbert: "It was planned for you to receive it later, but when detecting the mabeast and further speculating unexpected encounters I had decided to gift you them early to help you in future incidents." He said before pulling out Subaru's phone and hands it out to him.

Subaru: "My phone, I thought it would take longer to upgrade it!" He said surprised as he inspected it and saw it still worked, noticing a few modifications and new buttons.

Gilbert: "Due to my own complex method of communication I had since my body's creation, it didn't take long for me to fully understand the device's functionality and configure it. But while more useful for communication than combat, this next one was made for that and more." He said with the mana speakers on him jumping off as he brings the small open crate forward, allowing Subaru to see what's inside as he becomes surprised as patrasche also looks inside with curiosity.

Subaru: "Those boots..." He said recognising them as he saw them partly being crafted when deciding to help out Gilbert a bit, him agreeing to the small bits he helped with.

Gilbert: "These are uniquely crafted mana-ejecting boots, having a manastone crafted into them and its design created from recollecting very old clothing concepts both shaula and I came up with. These boots are suitable for all types of terrain and can even skate on certain surfaces, you are also able to expel bursts of mana from their soles willingly and once skilled enough- could use it to cross watery surfaces in theory." He explains as Subaru picks them out of the box while looking to them with some excitement.

Subaru: "cool...! Can I?" He said as Gilbert nods, causing him to quickly sit down and begin getting them on his feet.

Gilbert: "With the information gathered from your body, these boots are also designed to still fit your exact size once you reach the end of your body growth." He said as Subaru stands up, now wearing his new boots as he moves about a bit in them.

Subaru: "They fit nicely, very comfy too... so how do I expel mana from them?" He said with some confusion as he shows them off, moving his legs about a bit as the rest watch.

Gilbert: "Like how one usually does to cast's magic, the manastone crafted into them will assist directing the mana flow within your body-"

Subaru: "WOAAAHHHhhhhh-!!!"

Subaru interrupts Gilbert accidentally by having figured out how to exert mana from the boots while having his foot up causing him to burst away from everyone, leaving a trail of mana as they look to where he went with some surprise, both Gilbert and patrasche look then to each other before quickly going after him with some mana speakers following after them.

Subaru panicked as he kept mana bursting a few times from it going sharply into different directions while avoiding some objects with a teleport or two, he soon begins calming down and regain his footing as he quickly runs and slips across the snow before reaching a small lake nearby and begins to skid about on the ice before doing a controlled mana burst forward, recalling the boots other properties and slowly regains control of his movements and begins to skate across the ice.

Subaru: "Wow!... heh... hehe...!" He said, beginning to calm down a bit and smile as he starts to pick up the pace a bit as he begins skating about the ice, starting to feel some thrill from it as he wasn't in a life or death situation.

Subaru: "Hahaha! This is amazing!" He said now enjoying this with, doing a small mana burst forward to increase his speed as he leans to one side doing a quick turn, now skating about the ice at very fast speeds.

Subaru: "Woohoooo! Haha!... huh- crap!" He shouts before immediately crashing into a pile of snow in front of him, causing him to tumble as snow flies about the place a bit.

Gilbert and patrasche soon arrived along with the mana speakers that followed as they all slow their pace and approached the snow-covered form of Subaru who was lying in the snow, calming himself down from the recent event with a slightly pained groan.

Gilbert: "Many factors are suggesting that you've already grown attached?" He said as Subaru quickly sits up with a chuckle as snow falls of his body.

Subaru: "I love them! I went so fast! Is that how most here feel when going at that speed?... will you need them back?" He said with some excitement before sweatdroping a bit embarrassed as patrasche gave an amused huff as the mana speakers made noises of amusement.

Gilbert: "I need to do a quick inspection on them once we return to our current residence, but after that they'll stay in your possession as intended." He said as Subaru smiled, getting up with patrasche's assistance as he pets her.

Subaru: "Well let's quickly get back then! wonder how I'll do now in training with these sweet boots, I still need to get used to using them after all along with controlling the amount of mana I expel." He said beginning to head back as the rest begin to follow while he and Gilbert talk.

Chapter Text

Since the day subaru and patrasche defeated the injured guiltylowe along with him receiving his upgraded phone and unique mana-ejecting boots, he continued training with it ramping up slightly due to his new piece of gear and to keep improving himself even further. Surprisingly the mana speaker critters they had helped also decided to make themselves at home in the area as the three see a some critters quietly go about the place through the snow at times, with a few kindly greeting them before rushing away.

Over the weeks, Subaru's miasma control had improved greatly along with becoming more refined as invisible providence didn't give much backlash anymore, his skills in evading along with both normal and whip combat had also Improved, he also had to learn and control his new boots as the mana bursts from it while helping him go quicker and get to higher places- could also be used for combat, he surprisingly adapted to it quickly despite some obvious hiccups.

Despite only gaining a bit of strength, these improvements would help him greatly and get better with more training at time... but it will help a lot considering what's about to occur:

About over 4 months since being forgotten:

Subaru and patrasche were currently hunting together away from the abandoned village as they were investigating some smoke that was seen in the distance from their current location since yesterday, after a brief discussion with Gilbert as he stayed back to continue on the gear the two went on their way as both looked about the place.

Subaru: "That faint smoke we noticed yesterday should be close, didn't seem to be at a very far distance." He said with patrasche nodding agreement as the continue walking for a bit before quickly stopping as the atmosphere grew uncomfortable and off putting.

Subaru: "... something isn't right-"

*THRUMP*

Subaru: "GUHAACK!!!"

Subaru pukes out blood in shock and horror as a large flaming black lance goes right through his body, as flames soon begin to cover his whole body as he couldn't scream due to the amount of blood he was puking out. Patrasche looked in absolute horror before a large figure appears charging at her and makes a deep cut in her leg, before trampling over her as Subaru's world goes black.

*INFANT-LIKE SHRIEK*

—[Envy: "I love you."]—

Subaru gasps in alarm as he sees that he's gone back to just before he was going to leave the safe-house after patrasche to investigate, quickly grabbing Gilbert's full attention while he adjusts his eyes and rubs them a bit, then checking and feeling his whole body before he feels up one of his arms before smoothing it rapidly.

Gilbert: "your senses, heart rate and miasma density suddenly increased, has something caused this response of alarm?" He said causing Subaru to notice him while he calms down.

Subaru: "i-I'm fine... hey Gilbert, think you can help us out in looking to where that smoke came from for a moment? After all, it could come from a dangerous mabeast or spirit." He said as Gilbert was silent for a moment before nodding and setting the material he held down.

Gilbert: "I will join... smoke has been used to lure in prey or targets of interest in many occasions and is known as a symbol of warning in most circumstances, if it is giving you a strong feeling of concern then I wont decline." He said going to him as Subaru gives a small smile.

Subaru: "Thanks, and it does so it's best to be careful about this." He said as the two go up the stairs to join patrasche and make a plan of action.

A few minutes later:

Subaru was now alone with patrasche away from the abandoned village again, walking through some trees and fauna quietly but now going on a different path towards the smoke. After some thought it was decided that it would be better for them both and Gilbert to split up and go in different paths for multiple reasons, and if either encountered trouble they will contact the other and rush to help them.

The two were cautious going through the forest on guard before Subaru quickly gestured to stop, causing patrasche to freeze along with him while also gesturing to stay quiet before pointing to a flickering glow in hiding nearby as some noise is heard with a thud at times, Subaru then scoops off some snow from a branch before throwing it into the ground nearby beside them.

Suddenly a large black lance subaru recognised stabbed into the ground where the snowball hit before a hungry horse King jumps out from hiding, revealing itself with a shriek as it swiped its other lance about while the two looked at the mabeast in fear as it soon managed to figure out where they exactly were.

Subaru: "definitely still terrifying!"

Both then narrowly evade a quick swipe of its lance with Subaru quickly teleporting right after as it tried to run over him, patrasche then quickly whacks its side with her tail before evading a slash and jumps away from a kick, Subaru then tries to disarm it using his training whip before quickly letting go as the mabeast makes it catch fire by placing its end wrapped around its lance over the fire on its back.

The hungry horse king then quickly tries to stab him to which he teleports to the lance implanted into the ground and pulls it out, then blocking a slash as he tumbled back through the snow- causing to quickly teleport away as patrasche kicks it's side making it stagger before forming a new lance in its free hand and make her jump back, narrowly avoiding a slash before ducking from another.

The hungry horse king then hears some snow crunching and notices Subaru heating up the lance it had thrown, causing him to avoid some stabs from it before teleporting away from a kick as he then appears in a tree, to which the mabeast cut down with a slash as Subaru teleported onto another nearby, the mabeast was about to act again until patrasche kicked it's back leg and breaks it.

With it distracted, Subaru then teleported into the air in front of it and throws the flaming lance he held, using invisible providence to punch it and speed it up as the lance goes right through its stomach-mouth, making it shriek in pain as its body began to catch on fire while Subaru lands near patrasche... the mabeast soon looks in their direction with parts of its skin hardening, ready to kill them both while not appearing phased by the injuries they inflicted to it.

Subaru: "why are theses guys have to be so hard to defeat?!" He said annoyed as both patrasche and him were preparing for the fight to continue... that was until unexpectedly:

???: "-Ooph!"

A voice was suddenly heard yelping as a sound of a body falling into the snow was heard before a large fireball crashed into the hungry horse king, sending the mabeast away along with it to a small cliff nearby and causing a small explosion, completely incinerating the mabeast. Both Subaru and patrasche looked in shock before looking in the direction to where the fireball came from and soon see a short female figure on a hill getting back onto their feet with a huff.

???: "uff! I decided to go ahead of the others once catching your scent and yet I still mess up our reunion." She said smiling with some irritation, brushing off the snow that had stuck onto her clothes as Subaru looked to her with some surprise.

Subaru: "Shima?! You've been here in getsuko all this time? We were all worried especially Garfiel, how... wait... how do you remember..." he said surprised before he slowly became concerned as something was definitely off as he noticed shima's looks had become different.

Omega: "Oh! Well some things occurred... I call myself omega now." She said with her smile widening a bit as Subaru's eyes widen in absolute shock as his breath shook as her cheeks redden slightly.

Omega: "You do know staring at a lady too long makes her feel some uncomfort, but I suppose it's to be expected with my new look~" She said fanning her face a bit.

Subaru: "...how...?" He said completely concerned as omega tilts her head, still smiling.

Omega: "why whatever do you mean? Looks can change with time after all especially a lady's-" she said as Subaru's anger began to grow.

Subaru: "Don't give me that crap, how the hell are you here echidna?!" He interrupts, causing patrasche to be surprised before quickly glaring at omega as her smile morphed into a very familiar one to him.

Omega: "So you have figured it out, you've definitely grown... well if you wish to know, little shima broke the sanctuary contract i made with her by helping the one you call Garfiel years ago as per her white robe, doing so gave an opportunity so when the sanctuary fell- I escaped and fully took control of her body, cleaver is it not?~" She said spinning around, almost tripping on her own foot as Subaru growls clenching his fists.

Subaru: "of course... as long you get what you want in the end, what you do doesn't matter to you- even if it means taking over another's body just like Roswaal's done!" He said as omega appeared to be a bit bothered by that.

Omega: "Well one gets desperate to leave when kept in one place for too long... but I am a bit surprised and curious as to how you figured out my true identity so quickly?" She said as he gave a solemn frown.

Subaru: "Simple: you remember who I was, my name's been eaten by gluttony... so if you haven't heard, I'm currently labelled as the new archbishop of pride." He said catching her full attention.

Omega: "You've been forgotten? Now that is something of interest to hear coming from you... seeing you still continue it appears you must be trying to correct things?" She said with it having a double meaning as Subaru was silent before giving a nod.

Subaru: "...Yeah." He said as omega gave an aggravated scoff aimed at a certain someone.

Omega: "Of course, shouldn't even have pondered." She said annoyed, but before they could continue talking something was heard approaching before Gilbert appears jumping over some rocks before taking a few steps and skidding to a stop beside Subaru.

Subaru: "G-Gilbert!" He said with surprise as patrasche also gave a slight squeal.

Gilbert: "upon hearing a shriek of a hungry horse king and sighting the small explosion, I quickly concluded that your lack of reply was due to deep conflict and set course, explain the situation... echidna..." he said on alert at first before turning to see omega and becomes silent, as he slowly showed some surprise while omega was also surprised before she smiled with much interest.

Omega: "What a surprise and a new body too~ now your presence is very unexpected considering what I last heard involving you... so you go by Gilbert now? Understandable yet also intriguing~" she said making Subaru confused as Gilbert quickly expresses some seriousness.

Gilbert: "Such as yours learning your demise and sealing within the sanctuary by volcanica due to multiple reasons... but you couldn't have been travelling alone as the chances of you dying accidentally have increased due to the personal limiter placed on yourself." He said making her eyebrow twitch a bit as she kept her smile.

Omega: "You wouldn't be incorrect as I now have my own travelling group who are now most likely trailing after me... but I'm not entirely alone currently either." She said before lowering her robe a bit to show the glintstone's necklace she wore, shining 5 different colours as Gilbert narrows his eyes.

Gilbert: "that solves the multiple different miasma signatures detected on your person." He said as Subaru's eyes widen.

Subaru: "The other sin witches... they're with you too?!" He said as she nods.

Omega: "Indeed. While I can't make use of their abilities and they can't manifest themselves, we can communicate without much problems... I have to say, the amount of miasma you currently have and are accumulating is large from what I smell, but I do suppose it makes sense considering your heritage." She said as Subaru glares.

Subaru: So she and the other witches also knew. "though I thank you for helping us with that hungry horse king, why decide to come after me?" He said with a glare as omega keeps smiling.

Omega: "Isn't it normal for one to check upon an old friend once knowing they're nearby... but I must ask, have you not yet told your full story? Your real name- or I suppose your past one now, Gilbert?" She said catching Subaru's attention.

Subaru: "wait, what?" He said while looking to Gilbert who appeared very bothered, before looking to omega as his eyes gave a small red glow.

Gilbert: "The life of who I once was had ended long ago... this new one wasn't of my own intention." He said clenching one set of his claws.

Omega: "oh?~ but even so you are here now... so will you tell him about it? The events that lead you here? How you freed yourself from your obsessive desire? Your own personal suicidal quest to 'save' your remaining brothers-"

*BANG*

A glowing metal claw is shot past omega's face as it goes further into the sky before exploding as she keeps smiling to Gilbert, who glared in rage as his eyes glowed red and emits some sparks while having an arm up and was now missing a claw- with a new claw beginning to slowly form while Subaru and patrasche were both shocked by his reaction and surprised by the explosion the claw gilbert fired had made.

Gilbert: "... you and those close know that it was only action I HAD to take despite my attempts to divert it, they needed to be rescued from themselves and stopped from harming innocent life... especially when the words and actions of both you and flugel gave my brothers the idea to MUTILATE THEMSELVES!!" He states with rage before calming down as Subaru lowers his arm away from omega.

Subaru: "C-calm down! Alright... omega, if you want to state something then just do it already!" He said as omega smile grew wider.

Omega: "As you wish... Gilbert's original full designation was T.O.G-0-Gil, the prototype and very first of the T.O.G series created, the most accomplished and effective, getting along well with most others the resided within the constructing Pleiades watchtower too... and yet the one and only that truly gained free will and decided to cut his ties of loyalty to flugel." She said as Subaru and patrasche were surprised and a bit confused.

Subaru: "is... that true?" He said with some seriousness as Gilbert soon nods.

Gilbert: "T.O.G-0-Gil was indeed my original full designation... while I do retain the memories, my original body was mostly destroyed after fulfilling the personal last task I had given myself, so after consideration I decided to update it." He said, showing some bother while Subaru's unsure on how to feel before omega continues.

Omega: "Though Flugel kept creating many things with assistance of others at times- including me, 26 more T.O.G's were created after him, each designated by a letter of the alphabet. Each creation of the series having improvements and their own specialties... yet despite the new ones created after him, gil was still the only one who managed to prove his worth and gain praise." She said making Subaru confused.

Subaru: "He already mentioned having brothers, and while now getting some insight and that Gilbert still did better... why mention it?"

Gilbert: "Because it's why what occurred later had happened... answer this: what mostly happens to objects that don't show use?" He said, appearing very bothered as Subaru was surprised before he thinks.

Subaru: "Well, I guess they usually get... o-oh..." he said with realisation and some dread.

Omega: "While most were lost through certain tasks, the 4 T.O.G's remaining who made it through the last grouped task which Gil once again being the one to accomplish it- were sent away with each being placed far away in one of the 4 nation's with no more tasks given afterwards, Gil and few others however were told a different story..." she said walking to the left a bit before stopping.

Omega: "but then one day he unexpectedly found himself within the corridor of memories and it had shown him their fates: each going to lengths as harming anyone without question, even self-mutilation to upgrade their own bodies for their joint and now dangerously uncontrolled obsessive desire to gain their creator's acknowledgement." She said as both were shocked while certain heavy memories and talks come back to Subaru's mind.

Gilbert: "it was never my intention to cause them... but part of the blame also falls to you and those who used their words and actions seeing us as objects to give them the idea to enact such self-mutilation." He said as omega looks to him.

Omega: "We implied that certain things are better than others and that testing new gear and weaponry on what it's intended for is more efficient, We never suggested to replace their body parts and test their improvements on others, those actions are entirely their own to blame." She said as Gilbert's eyes gave a red glow.

Gilbert: "yet that does not remove the blame of instigation." He states as she hums.

Omega: "I suppose... When figuring this out and after a short confrontation with Flugel, gil did a few last things before perusing the task he gave himself: to 'save' his remaining brothers- or the only action to prevent their further self-destruction forced upon him: destroy them." She stated as both were shocked while Gilbert showed he was very bothered.

Omega: "That quest of his is the reason for few of the stories and landmarks that are in the present world today, even being partly responsible for current strength of the 4 great spirit's posses today... including puck's creation." He said surprising the two.

Subaru: "he helped with puck's creation?! But how... wait- the manastone's used in the T.O.G's creation, if one was destroyed... then that means...!" He said as omega nods with a smile.

Omega: "indeed, he accomplished what he sent out to do as expected despite having to repair himself at times with parts from his fallen brethren... and in the end his body was too damaged to keep going, thus causing his own apparent demise in the process..." She said causing dead silence, as Subaru slowly looks to a very somber Gilbert.

Subaru: "... Gilbert..." he said not knowing what to say, after all being forced to kill family... that definitely isn't something most want to remember.

Gilbert: "... they were too far gone, nothing else could be done." He said looking to one of his claws as Subaru grimaced, clearly understanding the pain in those words.

Omega: "It is disappointing how the full story was only known by few and lost with some events of it being turned into different small stories... So Subaru? I answered what you wished to know and understand, how do you feel and think now?" She states smiling as he snaps his head to her in anger and rage.

Subaru: "Would you just shut it?! I know it was partly my fault for asking, but do you always simply speak out the sensitive subjects about the person your talking too?!" He shouts before composing himself with a slight sigh.

Subaru: "I would like to know more about what happened back then... but I wouldn't just force someone to tell sensitive subjects like that without good reason! Gilbert's sentient and deserves some respect like anyone else... and I won't just let you just continue bothering a good friend I owe!" He shouts with patrasche giving a look of agreement, making her smile wider as Gilbert slowly looked to him with surprise.

Gilbert: he see's me... as a friend? I haven't had someone declare as such since...

Omega: "Interesting answer... so what if I told you a certain secret that you don't know on a certain authority in your possession?" She said making him freeze and slowly grow pale.

Subaru: "y-you... you wouldn't-" he said before she quickly raises a hand.

Omega: "I have my own reasons not to do so, but that doesn't mean I've learned ways to avoid it... now, have you ever wondered that such situations like the one your currently in hasn't happened at times before?" She said making subaru relived before quickly becoming annoyed as she was being cryptic once again.

Subaru: "what are you getting at?" He said as the other two were confused while she smiles.

Omega: "Well... have you ever wondered what would've happened if you or another made a different choice at certain points in the past? That maybe another DID do?" She said as Subaru thinks a little in silence.

Subaru: "... w-why?" He said making her give a familiar eerie smile.

Omega: "Have you had the thought that you might be one of those branches? Another of the many while the main route continues to the top?" She said as begins to realise what she ment with some dread as many thoughts go through his head.

Subaru: "... huh? B-but how... s-she Can't... r-really...?" He said as he began uncounciously shaking a bit in panic.

Omega: "It is a possibility... why not ask when you meet again as it's her who must answer, not I." She said as Subaru began to slowly hyperventilate.

Subaru: "c-could this really be...? a-am I really not...?!" He said before he becomes dead silent with his body completely freezing in place, an aura of dark purple miasma appearing around his body as this surprised the rest.

Omega: "hm... this wasn't the response I expected." She said before Gilbert quickly looks to her seriously and aims his arm, his claws morphing into a saw.

Gilbert: "His miasma density's increased... Is his current state your work and doing?!" He said as patrasche glares at omega who shakes her head.

Omega: "while I admit my words would have an effect... this is not my doing." She said making him slowly lower his arm.

Gilbert: "so you are also uncertain of the cause?" He said as omega soon gives a huff.

Omega: "i have a few ideas... but they are ones that I dislike." She said annoyed, making Gilbert think before they hear many footsteps approaching as a voice calls out.

Noelle: "Omega! There you are, did you have to leave us behind to trail you?" She says as the rest of omega party has finally arrived and went beside her.

Omega: "Apologies, I had become to eager too meet my old friend again after learning his location." She said with a smile as some were annoyed.

Shion: "still, you shouldn't just go ahead without telling us, The one who's gone about injuring mabeast's to attack others might still be around!" She said as they kept their guard up on the way here.

Omega: "I've already dealt with it if you wish to know." She said smirking as plmyra and lilac grunt annoyed while the rest sigh.

Lilac: "Of course you would... so which one of the two is the old friend you talked about?"

Omega: "both of them are old friends of mine actually... I just didn't expect to meet one due to their circumstances." She said catching their interest.

Gilbert: "You must be the group of individual's she has formed here, correct?" He said as colette nods with a slight bow.

Colette: "Th-that's us, it's nice to meet you... is your friend alright?" She said as they look to subaru who remained in the same state.

Gilbert: "Uncertain, he became this state after saying something that caused uncomfort." He said as patrasche gave a squeal of agreement.

Palmyra: "seriously Omega?! What have we told you about using your words more carefully?!" She said annoyed as omega did at times use her words very poorly, even to them.

Omega: "They were words I thought he needed to hear, but even I hadn't expect this... reaction..." she said as she soon began to frown and keeps an eye on Subaru as she smelled his miasma growing much denser rapidly, with Gilbert doing the same when detecting it.

Noelle: "Omega, what is it?" She said as the rest of omega party was confused before they also looked to the frozen Subaru as the atmosphere became uncomfortable.

Lilac: "... something's not right, that things putting me in edge." She said as Shion nods in agreement sharing her concern.

Soon after that, Subaru's hands begin to twitch catching some attention before his eyes snap forward with a blood red glow, causing most eye's to widen in shock before the dense aura of miasma around him... moved.

Palmyra: "Get away colette-!!"

*SHINK*

_______

A few minutes ago, within Subaru's cursed mindscape/the shadow garden:

Subaru was standing in place as he was dead silent, facing away from satella who was nervous while Flugel quickly appears beside her by jumping through a crack that appeared nearby and quickly closes it behind him as the miasma that flowed about quickly began avoiding him again.

Flugel: "came as quick as I could, how is he?"

Satella: "He's just been silent since appearing here by envy... I know echidna is one to mess about, but I didn't think she would actually say that-"

Subaru: "Is what she meant true?" He interrupted her as both were silent.

Subaru: "I thought that the things implied back at the witches tea party meant that time really rewinded... so tell me, is this true?!" He shouts turning to them looking very upset as they were silent, with satella becoming more bothered each passing second until Flugel speaks.

Flugel: "It does... but there come certain exceptions. During many points in your time here there were moments that held great importance, think of the impacting choices given to you or that you gave to others and wonder what would happen if they answered differently?... these form what are known as IF's, timeline's sticking to that impacting choice." He said as Subaru's fists clenched with some anger.

Subaru: "So she wasn't deceiving me this time... Tch! I should've known- hell even expect it by now with how cryptic you lot are!... Do you enjoy doing this? Tell only the bit of truth one wants to hear then let them learn the harsh rest of it?!" He said as Flugel became serious while satella grips her sleeves.

Flugel: "As we've said, we have restrictions on what we can do and should tell you. We know you're angry, anyone would be in your situation but there could be consequences doing so." He said as Subaru grits his teeth.

Subaru: "Then is this one of them?! Because now I seriously doubt it, especially after hearing what you and some others did!" He shouts with his eyes giving a red glow, making Flugel bothered as satella quickly answers with sadness.

Satella: "I'm the reason!... I'm partly responsible for it...!" she said while looking down, surprising subaru by her response as Flugel grimaced.

Subaru: "satella...?" he said as she takes a few steps forward.

Satella: "Since I was born under a darkened star, I had the ability to go back to whatever point in time I wished... if things went wrong I could just go back even if I died, I could make different choices and see multiple different outcomes, I was even considered a guide of sorts back then... Flugel even gave me a name that originated from your homeworld." She said as Flugel gave a sad smile.

Flugel: "Stella Maris... still think it's fitting for such beauty." He said making her blush and give a small sad smile before quickly frowning again.

Satella: "I admit, there were times I messed or abused the ability poorly... and when I got the envy factor she took control of it. So yes... I'm the one responsible as you inherited it from me..." She said sadly, surprising Subaru.

Subaru: "Y-you could literally control time...?! Wait... you mean-?!"

Satella: "while it did only fully manifest when coming to this world and envy currently has control over it through me... Return by death is your own authority Subaru." She said as Subaru became completely shocked by that.

Subaru: "I-I... had that authority? I-it was always my own...?" He said as both nod.

Satella: "... I-I want this all to stop, I hate it, I don't want to continue hurting others...! so when the time comes, please... kill me." She said tearing up as Flugel grunts at that.

This caused subaru to grimace and think for a bit, but as he was going to respond he's interrupted as Envy takes over her once again and immediately kisses him, surprising everyone as Flugel quickly comes over and pulls her off.

Flugel: "Woah envy! Again, what have I told you about..." he said before noticing satella had regained control, looking alarmed whale quickly examining herself.

Flugel: "satella?" He said concerned as she immediately looks to him in dread.

Satella: "It's envy... I-I can't feel her presence in me!" She states causing alarm.

Subaru: "ugh-! urraaagh!" He shouts in pain causing both to snap their heads to him.

Subaru screams in pain while clutching his head and body, each part of him screaming in pain as his eyes were bloodshot while breathing out dark purple miasma which also began to emit from his body. Flugel shields both him and satella from some sharp miasma projectiles by putting an arm out and disintegrating them with his own miasma, something then begins to form and starts to separate from Subaru's body... before immediately doing so while throwing their long hair back.

.

.

.

Envy/???: "... Finally...!"

Currently, back within getsuko:

Everyone stared in shock or horror as palmyra pushed collete away and had a large dark purple miasma spike go right through her chest, causing her to puke out blood before collapsing to the ground.

Colette: "PALMYRA!!" She shouts in despair as she and most of the group look in horror while omega stood in shock, appearing very bothered by this.

Colette: "Palmyra! Sh-She can't be! Please no!" She said rushing to her body and holds it while crying.

Shion: "Th-that was too quick! W-what kind of-"

Gilbert: "evacuate immediately-!" He shouts to them before being interrupted as the group looks back before their eyes widen.

Immediately after alerting them, part of Gilbert's right arm along with part of his body was ripped off and crushed by a dark purple miasma claw as his body was launched away from the hit, with patrasche then getting bashed away by another miasma limb- breaking her leg while her body was hit through a tree and into a boulder, gravely injuring and knocking her out.

Subaru/???: "F-finally..." he said with a morphed yet familiar voice, causing echidna to feel disturbed while the rest felt dread as they stared at... 'him'.

Subaru/???: "F-Finally...! Finally. Finally!" The voice repeated as it grew louder as Subaru's body hugged itself tightly before a large amount of dark purple miasma burst from it.

Subaru's body soon smiled, crying tears made of pure blood before it began to morph as sickening cracks, growth and movements were heard. The body slowly beginning to float with the dark purple miasma emitting around it beginning to grow and accumulate faster.

Noelle: "O-Omega, What is this?! I thought he was your-" she said angrily before seeing omega's serious and aggravated look.

Omega: "That's not him... It's something worse..." she said as Subaru's body and finished their metamorphosis, revealing a girl who's clothes are covered in a dark purple miasma mist... Schwartz Natsumi, a form Subaru had named back in vollachia which envy now decided to take on in his body.

Envy/Schwartz: "He's mine...! Mine! Both are mine...!" She shouts out grinning.

It only lasted a second before her mood instantly changed as she closed her eyes, taking a few slow yet loud steps forward as the dark purple miasma mist begins to flow off her clothing, revealing to have transformed into a black/dark purple dress with orange/gold accessories before stopping and opens her eyes, revealing her eyes were a glowing blood red while giving a serious frown directed towards the omega party.

Schwartz/Envy: "You... I won't let you ruin this moment...!" She states as the mass of miasma expelled beneath her shifts as omega quickly notices and was about to act, until seeing Colette in her uncontrollable beast form charging past her towards envy.

Omega: "Colette! Don't-!"

Omega couldn't finish before Colette leaps and stops in the air with 4 miasma tendrils having sprout out from the small fog of miasma and go through her limbs, she roars in pain as she's slowly forced back to normal with her screaming dying down... her eyes, ears and mouth bleeding before the miasma tendrils retract and bring her crashing into the ground as blood splatters about before her body is consumed by the miasma, giving her the same fate yet more gruesome fate as patrasche.

Shion: "COLETTE!!" She shouts horrified along with the others as omega was disturbed seeing the first two good friends she made in her new life die brutally by an old foe.

Lilac: "sh-she just beat her beast form without any difficulty!" She said as omega was about to remove her limiter before seeing many miasma projectiles rapidly approach them.

Omega: "Shion! Lilac! Musa!" She shouts casting a barrier with Shion and lilac doing the same, blocking them as noelle sees a large miasma fist burst from the ground, going for omega's side making her notice with alarm while noelle quickly goes to defend her.

Noelle: "You damn monster! Take this!" She said punching it as it came... only for the clash to last for a second before breaking her arm and going into her chest, launching her into omega as both are launched to the ground.

Shion: "NOELLE! OMEGA!" She shouts as lilac notices a miasma claw coming at them.

Lilac: "El-Musa!" She shouts firing an orb that made the claw dissipate... only for her to receive a deep cut along with her arm being cut off as she was knocked back.

Shion: "LILAC-!" She shouts before her body was stabbed by a tendril, making her freeze before dark purple veins formed a bit on her body until she burst into multiple large bloody chunks.

As this happened omega got up from the snow a bit dazed before quickly noticing Noelle lying on her legs, bleeding out as she gave her a tearful smile.

Noelle: "th-thank you for letting us join your party... d-despite things, we a-all enjoyed it..." she said before dying as omega was going to try save her before noticing lilac struggles towards her.

Lilac: "y-you know... we would've liked to learn more with you..." she said with a small smile before fully collapsing down the ground as her body dissolves into particles, as omega looks to the body's of the new friends she had made through her new life in dead silence.

Omega: "...N-no...!" She said with visible distress, clenching her fists as envy soon speaks again.

Envy/Schwartz: "You should never have tried stealing from me... your greedy presence influencing...!" She said, her dark purple miasma now engulfing everything beneath her dress as she sends some tendrils at her.

But before the tendrils reached omega- a white light expels from her as the tendrils disintegrate while her body transforms, the white light fading as omega had removed her limiter and once again fully turned into echidna... who frowned in anger towards envy as she starts to expel pure light black miasma from her body.

Echidna: "From the many I've come to dislike in my existence... envy, I hate you the most!" She states, her eyes glowing light black before doing putting a hand out.

In an instant multiple types of magic attacks form around her like a long wall before all quickly fire simultaneously at envy, destroying most of the tendrils and hitting envy's head with it seeming to have no effect at first before envy felt something and notices a cut on her cheek as she stiffens, hearing echidna giggle.

Echidna: "In your envy you forgot that you're now weakened because of this... how ironic~" she said giving a greedy smile, before quickly avoiding multiple tendrils and even jump off on to another leaving a light black miasma trail as envy clenches her teeth in anger as blood seeps from her mouth.

Envy/Schwartz: "You dare harm this body... Perish...!" She shouts expelling more dark purple miasma over the area as the two begin fighting.

Back within Subaru's cursed mindscape/the shadow garden:

Flugel and envy stood on both sides of Subaru as he recovered from the painful experience, being in a protective stance as his senses were quickly returning to normal, he looks about a bit before noticing a familiar figure floating above with glowing blood red eyes and hugging themselves, narrowing his eyes to see with some strain.

Subaru: "n-ngh...! Huh...? n-natsumi Schwartz-? Wait, envy?!" He shouts in shock and dread as his eyes fully refocused along with his brain piecing together what's happening.

Satella: "Envy used the kiss and the amount of miasma you've accumulated to take possession of your actual body while manifesting her own separate one from you here, she's taken on your Natsumi Schwartz guise both in here and out there!" She said seriously, making him alarmed.

Subaru: "SHE'S HIGHJACKED MY BODY?!" He shouts in terror and fear before putting a hand over his left eye, grunting in pain as satella helps him stay up.

Flugel: "Not for long, since she's decided to bend the rules- we're gonna do the same and help make sure you regain control of it!" He said bringing his book forward with one hand and swiftly opens it.

Flugels words immediately caught envy's attention as she manifests many tendrils from the dark purple miasma around them, forming a cocoon before a dot golden miasma appears on it and makes it burst apart before satella manifests a midnight purple coloured miasma claw which launches and swipes at envy, making her use her tendrils to restrain it only for them to quickly be quickly implode by a golden miasma slash which allowed it to continue- only for envy to doge but quickly get launched far away by a fist that emerged from the miasma claws back.

Flugel: "satella, how are you?" He said as she grunts.

Satella: "e-envy's lingering presence still gives me difficulty, but I'll be alright... Subaru?" She said with concern as the two notice Subaru shaking a bit as he moves his hand away from his eye, showing it was glowing red.

Subaru: "m-my eye... I-i can see what she's doing with my actual body! Patrasche, Gilbert, e-even omega's new friends, Sh-she's... I-i...!" He said, shedding some tears in horror as the other two grimace hearing that.

Satella: "I could also only watch and try to fight back as she took control of mine and caused terror, it's horrid... but this is different! you can still take back full control of yourself!" She said causing him to look to them as Flugel nods.

Flugel: "Through possessing your body the way she did, envy's made herself a separate entity and currently only has the amount of miasma you possess despite rapidly accumulating more. With her weakened state and satella regaining control of herself and her miasma... we can stop her." He said as Subaru soon takes a deep breath, steel's himself before standing up.

Subaru: "Even so people have died, and we all know there's only one way to properly reverse and fix that now... I... Natsumi Schwartz must die." He said with a dead serious look as the two look bothered by it but quickly nod in understanding.

Satella: "Alright... but we'll first need to get you close to her without being restrained if you are to try and regain control, she'll need to be distracted." She said seriously as Subaru then quickly looks through his red eye.

Subaru: "My eye can currently see echidna herself currently fighting envy in my actual body... if she fights both in here and out there simultaneously, it would likely divert much of her attention for me to get close!" He said causing satella to give a small happy yet sad smile as Flugel smirks.

Flugel: "Then we have ourselves a plan. we'll distract her long enough to give you a pathway to her, but let's first get you out of her sight." He said as the three look to see that envy had returned, expressing some distress.

Envy/Schwartz: "I finally have you both... why resist...?!"

Flugel: "Sorry envy dear, but when committing actions such as this it's to be expected!" He said before making some hand movements as the pages on his book quickly turn.

Envy then manifests some miasma tendrils that block some large magic projectiles before they burst into large spikes, disintegrating the tendrils as envy avoids them before avoiding some of satella's own miasma tendrils until Flugel makes a grab and pull gesture which causes the spikes to burst and suck the air and miasma away from around envy as she staggers while syphoning the miasma into his book- which satella takes advantage of it and has two miasma tendrils grab her legs and drags her hard into the ground, before two large miasma claws clasp together around her to trap her.

Envy soon after makes the miasma claws burst apart as she sends some miasma tendrils and fist at them which Flugel does some quick finger movements, causing the tendrils to evaporate then using his book to absorb the miasma fist into it before closing it and throws it at envy causing her to form a miasma barrier- only for Flugel to teleport by her and disintegrate it with an arm swipe before grabbing his book and makes it bigger then whacks her twice with it, using his miasma and magic to harden the hits while causing the miasma that flowed about to evaporate in the directions he whacks, then using it to block a claw before returning it to normal size and opens it again as he jumps back from some miasma tendrils as he makes them evaporate with some hand movements.

Flugel: "I'll keep her occupied! Make some distance between us, Go!" He shouts to them telepathically, surprising Subaru at that before refocusing on his task as satella tugs his arm.

Satella: "Quickly, this way!" She said leading him away as he rushes along with her while Flugel keeps envy distracted, as they continued making distance from the fight satella noticed Subaru seeming a bit bothered.

Satella: "What's wrong?"

Subaru: "echidna and envy... they aren't alone out there...!"

_______

Meanwhile, back within getsuko:

Echidna was still battling it out against envy doing precise and very damaging attacks while avoiding the many tendrils and attacks envy sent at her which caused large environmental damage around them. This continued until a tendril managed to whack her away with her mostly avoiding another- but gets a large cut on her shoulder as she lands and skids back a bit on the ground while envy glares with her left eye twitching.

Envy/schwartz: "it's futile... you alone cannot defeat me..." she said before echidna quickly heals herself and just smiles.

Echidna: "while it may appear so at first glance... I am not fighting alone."

Envy glares at that before her eyes widen a bit as she forms a miasma barrier, blocking multiple blades that then explode after a moment before echidna used some magic to launch her away for a moment. Echidna looks behind her slightly as Gilbert approaches with his eyes giving a red glow, still very badly injured, showing part of his insides and leaking some mana and blood with his remaining arm still up before dropping it as he walks to echidna with his right leg dragging a bit.

Gilbert: "S-so you had-d k-known I r-remained active-e?" He said with slight difficulty due to the damage sustained as echidna smiles a bit.

Echidna: "While not directed, your survival was anticipated. I wonder your reason for assisting despise how you view me?"

Gilbert: "y-you are a necessity-y if envy I-Is to be possibly d-defeated."

Echidna: "Oh?~ how quickly you settled on killing him, even after he claimed to be your friend?" She said as Gilbert glared.

Gilbert: "d-d-don't. y-you a-as well know it's o-our only-y available option-n. I-i have already-y c-concluded w-what must-t be d-done, t-to do what I m-must once-e again-n..." he said appearing very solemn at that as echidna gives a hum.

Echidna: "I suppose... but what if I inform something that will make you less hesitant on doing so?~" She said catching his full attention.

Gilbert: "E-explain." He said as she smiles.

Echidna: "I wouldn't have stated this due to the consequences if anybody outside the few envy allows knew, but that doesn't matter this time. It's about his original authority: R-~" she said before Gilbert's eyes widen, slowly beginning to glow completely red at what she had stated before envy then immediately reappeared, causing a small shockwave and was very aggravated.

Envy/schwartz: "STAY SILENCED...!" She said sending many miasma tendrils at them instantaneously, but soon as the tendrils came close.

Gilbert: "-NUCLEASE-!"

The miasma tendrils disintegrated with a claw slash as a grey red-tinted light expels from Gilbert's body while sounds of quick metal shifting and creaking was heard, the miasma evaporation particles fully faded revealing the two weren't hit while Gilbert was regenerating and reforming his lost body parts to both witches surprise while also showing he had transformed:

Gilbert's body was now a few  inches taller and more refined, having 3 glowing white horns with a black-tinted outline on his forehead, his legs and arms had evolved and appeared more merged, he had 6 large hovering glowing claws that had the same colour as his horns with 3 on both arms which hovered over some glowing blue patterns that were on his forearms and wrists, two metallic tails that could act like mouths, both his glowing horns and claws had a small similar coloured flame emit from them... and his eye's pupils were now a glowing silver colour while its irises were glowing completely red with immeasurable rage as it left a constant sparking red trail. The right side of his skin tight shirt was still ripped up from envy's strike.

Echidna: "Ah~ now that appearance brings back memories despite the added additions, I don't suppose you'll give me the details of this transformation?"

Gilbert.Nule (Nuclease): "Negative... despite my qualms of the form, they can temporarily be placed aside due to the dire situation at hand. Even more so if Subaru is to be saved." He said with a serious yet now determined look as echidna smiles.

Echidna: "seems you've made up your mind as have i~" she said putting her arm out.

Echidna's light black miasma soon flairs up as she uses multiple types of magic in rapid succession to form a white staff with a gem on it, grabbing it before firing a burst of destructive magic at envy who uses her tendrils to block- only for them to disintegrate from the blast and knock her away to a short distance as echidna quickly inspects the staff and sighs.

Echidna: "it's a shame I don't have my personal star staff, but this will do." She said with a hum while Gilbert glances to her.

Gilbert.Nule: "It may have remained in your possession if not for its careless use to pester volcanica." He said as echidna's eye twitches in irritation.

Echidna: "still straightforward... she's rapidly gaining more strength due to consuming most of what's around her, I suppose you have the same idea as I?" She said as her light black nods.

Gilbert.Nule: "Affirmative, commencing joint rescue!" He states as both get into their fighting stances.

Envy quickly reappears with a small shockwave, causing the pressure of it to launch large debris at them as he deflects some debris with his large claws while echidna redirects some back at envy, which don't do a thing to her body as she growls.

Envy/schwartz: "CEASE...!" She said launching many tendrils at them, which echidna quickly disintegrates them with a wave of her staff, casting multiple magic attacks as Gilbert appears beneath her while aiming his arm up at her.

Gilbert.Nule: "Afstoten!" He said before envy was immediately blasted into the sky with a pulse.

Envy quickly retaliates by launching many tendrils towards him to which he roars- causing a burst of mana and aura pressure as some tendrils hit the ground around him while the rest change direction towards echidna, who evades and disintegrates most of the tendrils with a spin and swipe of her staff, dealing with the rest around her using multiple types of magic while much mana and miasma syphoned into her, as Gilbert crouches down and launches himself upwards as he uses his large claws to to claw onto the miasma tendrils and propel himself forward leaving a fiery trail.

Envy then manifests a few miasma claws towards him as he takes a step on a miasma tendril, lunging forward as he quickly claws through them all as they disintegrated while he directs himself onto a limb- taking a few steps before he begins to rush across it while slashing through more miasma manifestations, before firing out claw-blades from his normal clawed hands that home in on the approaching tendrils which impale then explode, a few even manage to hit her body- only to bounce off but they soon explode afterwards though when the smoke cleared it only left small injuries.

Soon after echidna appears in his place with a burst of light black miasma before quickly evading a few tendrils as she the cleaves through a miasma claw using magic as she begins rushing up, while Gilbert was now back on the ground where she once was as he deflects a miasma claw with some struggle before planting his claw in the limb and throws himself up, using magic to fly forward as he quickly reaches echidna and lands on another limb and begins to skid along and around it as the fight quickly leads them all high into the sky.

Echidna rushes forward while evading and countering miasma tendrils before leaping up as she begins using her magic to fly before taping her staff against an incoming miasma fist, causing a beam of destructive magic that goes right through the fist and hits envy who stays still and isn't fazed- only to have multiple types of magic be cast around and hit her before the same beam of destructive magic returns and hits her back, mostly disintegrating the miasma around envy while visibly injuring her as she growls and looks to see echidna had teleported as she smirks.

Gilbert skids and rushes across the miasma limbs and tendrils as he claws through many miasma manifestations while firing more claw-blades about the place causing many explosions, before he jumps up and flies forward with a burst of mana as he tries to pierce her- only for the edge of his large claw to not do a thing as envy just looks back to him, causing his tails to quickly react and stab through two claws before their ends open and clamp onto envy's arms before he begins to slash her repeatedly with it not having much of a effect before she backhand's him downwards as he's sent through some rock formations and crashes deep into a mountain.

Soon after envy gets quickly jabbed a few times by echidna with her staff, as soon after light black miasma pressurised hits knock her body about before she fires a destructive blast that knocks her to where Gilbert went while she deals with the miasma manifestations envy sent back at her in retaliation with some ease.

Gilbert jumps out the crater and lands with a hard thud, regenerated though slightly twitching as his large claws then fly off his arms and combine into a Warhammer before he got into a stance, then slams envy's body back into the sky once she reached him and causing a large crack beneath him. He launches after her as he begins bashing her body about while disintegrating the manifestations she sent with other hard slams before giving her one last hard slam, launching her away as his Warhammer separates back into his large claws as they hover back to his arms- letting him claw through some tendrils while he quickly bursts away from the area.

While this was done echidna aims her staff and does a few quick movements and soon after Gilbert flew away, the top part of the mountain bursts up into envy and causes a large explosion, causing a shockwave while Gilbert went beside echidna as the two keep an eye on it, after a few seconds miasma tendrils burst out the smoke and launch towards them.

Gilbert.Nule: "Afstoten!" He shouts causing the tendrils to freeze before bursting away into particles as echidna follows up by disintegrating some miasma limbs that came after.

But before the two could react, envy suddenly appeared behind them causing their eyes to widen before a large miasma claw strikes them both down and sends them right into the ground of the now-flat topped mountain and cause a crater. The two get up with injuries, regenerating as quickly as they could while both soon see envy descend closer to them, appearing injured and very aggravated with how long both have survived due to the circumstances.

Echidna: "ngh! Th-that nullification ability of hers is still a pain despite being weakened." She said tidying her hair while gilbert did some joint movements that made loud creaking noises.

Gilbert.Nule: "I-inability to harm indicates lower chances of our success... but another possibility does lye within." He said sparking and twitching a bit as echidna caught on to what he ment with some surprise as she looks to envy irritated before giving a smile as she snickers.

Echidna: "So your with them too in that place huh...? Us 3 fighting together once again despite feelings and circumstances... well, shall we continue then?~" she said as Gilbert agrees before both lunge themselves up towards envy, with her bursting down towards them soon after with some miasma manifestations as their clash causes a shockwave that blasts away debris around the area beneath them.

Back within Subaru's cursed mindscape/the shadow garden:

Flugel was still fighting against envy while Subaru and satella were still making distance from the fight, Subaru could still see what was happening in the fight against his actual body through his read eye and had a look of shock and surprise.

Subaru: "Gilbert and echidna are fighting against envy hard... I didn't expect him to have a transformation...!"

Flugel: "Ah, you must be seeing the Nuclease form I gave his new body with shaula's assistance. The form strengthens and evolves his body and regeneration while letting him use certain abilities he had gained in his previous body- now being restricted to it, such as Daphne's gift that fully manifested with it and lets him absorb the E-DNA of mana and miasma which increases his body's strength and resistance." he replied with thought and interest as Subaru is thankful for the information, though sweatdrops a bit at the rant as he soon hears satella sigh.

Satella: "Dear, while we enjoy hearing your rants on how you do things- Focus on Envy!"

Flugel: "Right, apologies!" He replied as the place soon shook a bit, then after making a bit more distance they stop as satella then manifests a large midnight purple miasma arm.

Satella: "This will help you get up close to envy, I'll be going back to help Flugel." She said turning to leave.

Subaru: "Got it... satella?" He said causing her to stop.

Satella: "what is it?"

Subaru: "I know this is abrupt... but back then at the witches tea party and soon afterwards when envy made me loop again. I'm not sure if you had heard me, but I made a promise that I would save you." He said causing satella to stiffen before quickly becoming distressed.

Satella: "...e-eh? B-but I can't be saved subaru! I-If I don't die... i-It's too late for me! I must be killed! When this is over you must still kill-!"

Subaru: "Then how can you tell me to love myself if you can't do the damn same?!" He shouts, interrupting her as she grunts before looking down saddened while he grabs one of her hands.

Subaru: "I get that you want all this pain to stop and rest... but I don't want to kill you! Flugel doesn't want that either and I have an idea of others who agree with him despite their current feelings. There might not have been a solution to save you back then so you had to be sealed, but maybe there is a way now!" He said as she looks back up, tearing up a bit.

Subaru: "That's why I promise you as a man and as family, I will find a way! I will save you satella!" He said determined, his normal eye giving an amber glow with his other giving a red one as her eyes widen at that before she starts shedding some tears.

Satella: "Subaru... h-how can you still be so kind...?" she said as he lets go of her hand.

Subaru: "Well I am a descendant of you and flugel, you must have an idea where it comes from." He said smiling as she gives a saddening giggle while wiping her tears, before seeing subaru Subaru jump and expels mana from his new boots, mana bursting onto the limb.

Subaru: "I'll get to her as quick as I can... I'm counting on you both give me a proper opening to do so!" He said before he begins running along the limb as satella looks back to the fight.

Satella: "Don't worry, you'll get it... we'll make sure of it." She said with determination and some anger before instantly disappearing from where she once was, leaving her vail behind which floats to the ground along with a trail of miasma.

Back at the fight, Flugel was still battling it out against envy disintegrating the miasma manifestations envy made and syphoning some into his book while she- who's mostly trying to restrain him, was getting stronger each passing moment.

After dodging many miasma tendrils and disintegrating a few by slamming his book shut causing a golden miasma pulse, Flugel makes a few clones of himself as Envy quickly uses her tendrils to grab hold of each, only for them to turn into pages before writing quickly starts to appear on each as they erupt into white rainbow-tinted crystallised branches that restrain her, quickly accumulating an extreme amount of mana and explodes like a supernova. Soon after multiple miasma claws launch at him as he avoids most disintegrating the last one with a whack of his book, only to be alarmed as he noticed a injured envy lunging to grab him before-

*PUMBLE*

Satella quickly appears and kicks envy away hard, making her crash and tumble across the ground as she soon regains her footing and looks back to a very angry satella while her eyes glow midnight purple.

Satella: "You really thought I'd let you lay your hands on him in another body... after making us suffer?!" She yells as envy snarls at her.

Envy/Schwartz: "You... Stealer...!" She shouts lunging at her at quick speeds, only for her eyes to widen in surprise as satella dissapered from her view before avoiding a miasma fist only to be punched away in the face by satella.

Envy quickly regains her footing before the two quickly charge at each other and clash causing a slight tremor, before bouncing and redirecting off each other as they quickly clash about a few more times before clashing once more as satella grabs both of envy's fists as both struggle while expelling a large aura of miasma.

Satella : "You can't hurt me too badly... if you do he'll hate you eternally without hesitation, they both will now and you know it!" She said with an aggravated tone while envy scowls in rage

Envy/Schwartz: "Damn bitch...!" She shouts before both jump back, causing a crack beneath them from their pressure as envy then sends a large miasma claw to flatten satella as she grabs something from the flower buds on her dress.

Quickly after the miasma claw gets cut into four pieces and disintegrates, revealing that satella now held 2 sickles in both hands connected with a chain- her kusarigama, envy then manifests and sends multiple tendrils at her in different directions to which she uses her weapon to quickly slash them apart, the movement's forming certain star constellations before knocking envy away with her own miasma fist and turns it into multiple tendrils that go after Envy.

Envy at this lunges forward at her, yanking the tendrils and only getting a bit injured before satella used her kusarigama to redirect and throw her away while giving some slashes, making her stumble a bit while regaining her footing before the two begin clashing about again at a quicker pace with their dark purple miasma manifestations also clashing about and disintegrating. This went on until Flugel comes in and dispels some of the miasma around them, letting satella use her weapon to get envy's arm and pulls her into Flugel's direction who grabs his book with both hands, makes it grow very big and whacks envy high into the air.

Flugel: "it's nice seeing you fight swiftly like that again... it's been over centuries since we fought together, echidna's even with us despite her fighting out there." He said giving a small sad smile, turning his book back to normal as she slowly nods.

Satella: "yeah... h-he's managed to inherit your wish to save me, promising me too... it increasingly hurts more knowing I and envy took away such a kind young man like from such wonderful parents- our own blood without warning...! They're in so much pain...!" She said tearing up as Flugel gently wipes her tears before placing their foreheads together.

Flugel: "we've all messed up badly and hurt so many, intentional or not... but he can now settle and finish what we couldn't, and when considering everything I believe he will... so do you... now, shall we teach envy a deserving lesson?" He said as they part with satella agreeing.

The two quickly stand side by side and get into their fighting stances, focusing on envy figure rapidly approaching as she's fully gone berserk with her eyes glowing blood red- expelling an aura of dark purple miasma. Flugel then expels an aura of golden miasma as his eyes glow gold, while satella also expels an aura of dark purple miasma as her eyes glow purple before they launch at envy and clash.

Subaru continued running along the large dark purple miasma limb satella manifested for him as he Flugel and satella's fight against envy grow increasingly violent, while also seeing echidna and Gilbert's fight against her in his real body getting out of control outside as he starts quickening his pace.

Subaru: "They're all fighting her together both in here and out there... I'll follow through and get to envy, I will regain control and fix this!" he said with a determined look.

A small aura of amber miasma begins to form around him as he begins going quicker, causing a faint amber glow to begin covering his feet and lower legs before doing a mana burst forward- which makes the glow brighter and fully cover his feet and legs while becoming more visible as he begins to run at a very fast pace along the miasma limb towards envy.

As Subaru rushes forward at high speeds, approaching his target while making sure to keep himself on the limbs as the entire place shook after certain clashes or hits from the fight as gold, midnight purple and dark purple lights go about and clash at very fast paces with some many miasma manifestations, magic and explosions go about as the he avoids a few that are deflected from hitting the other- this continued as Subaru see's satella get launched towards him and grabs one of her sickles she used to try and grapple onto her miasma arm.

Subaru: "Got you!" He said pulling her in as she lands on it and runs beside him.

Satella: "Thank you, keep moving forward post haste!" She said as he nods, tossing back her other sickle as she grabs it and bursts forward back into the fight while he kept rushing forward, as soon after a miasma projectile hits it and divides it into multiple.

Subaru: "wow!" He shouts as he then quickly leads himself onto one arm before teleporting onto another out of instinct as he avoids a projectile and does so a few more times.

Subaru: "I-i can still teleport? But how- ah!" He said to himself with surprise before being startled as page that flayed close by had writing begin to appear before forming a clone of flugel, the clone then makes multiple hand gestures that evaporate some of the miasma and magic projectiles going near him.

Flugel: "Apologies! Envy makes it hard not to cause much destruction all over the place, stay on the highest limb!" He said as Subaru nods, teleports onto the limb and increases his speed with a mana burst while the clone turns into a magic projectile and shoots back into envy in the fight.

Once Subaru had gotten close enough and after another clash against envy, satella used her kursarigama to slash away the miasma manifestations around her and sends many of her own at envy- only injuring her a bit but enough to distract as she quickly send a sickle that wraps around and impales her body, then spins her around through some of her own miasma fists as envy's body spins a bit as she staggers from the recoil.

Satella: "Flugel!" She shouts as he nods, placing his book out as it floats in front of him as he takes a deep breath.

Flugel then begins to expel an aura of golden miasma as he quickly does many hand and finger movements in rapid succession while muttering many words of different languages, the golden miasma begins to surround his book as he places his hands on both sides and directs it at envy- but during this she sees finally notices Subaru approaching from above on another miasma manifestation of satella and reaches her arm out.

Envy/Schwartz: "I love you!" she said sending multiple miasma claws at Subaru causing alarm as Subaru quickly acts, jumping and teleporting while her miasma claws make the limbs disintegrate as her eyes widen before-

Flugel: "CASSUM!!!" He yells opening his book.

Right after doing so, it caused a directed gold outlined pulse as any trace of miasma, mana, air or even gravity in front of him was Vaporised with envy being visibly affected by this, her body arching back and freezing in place while not even being able to make any noise as she could only look about before finally noticing that Subaru had teleported above them and directs his body towards her.

Satella and flugel: "Now Subaru!" They shout as he mana bursts forward, lunging towards a wide eyed envy with his red eye flickering until it completely switches to amber and glows brightly alongside his other eye.

Subaru: "ENVY!!!!!" He yells out in determination before colliding into her, grappling onto her body and sends them both into the endless dark purple miasma fog as she shrieks.

Meanwhile, back within getsuko:

Both Echidna and Gilbert were still battling against envy despite the increasing difficulty in the air, both appearing more injured with echidna visible large gashes on her body and Gilbert's twitching body having cracks, missing pieces and was sparking, while envy herself didn't appear affected much despite the showing a some injury that was quickly healing up, while the surrounding area had become more devastated as more craters were about, parts of other mountains and terrain were destroyed, and parts of the ground and much of the fauna was on fire or decaying.

Gilbert.Nule: "A-Afstot-! Grgh?!" He tries to shout out before grunting in pain as a tendril goes through his hip, another in an arm and one more going through both cheeks.

Gilbert growls and disintegrates the tendril that went through his cheeks with a hard clamping bite, then roars again with fury and defiance causing the other tendrils that stabbed him to burst to flame, retract by its pressure and then slashes them away before continuing to claw through more of envy's tendrils sent leaving a trail of hot flame and sharp metal. Meanwhile echidna was dealing with some miasma manifestations with her staff and magic as they disintegrated, with envy appearing to be less injured than before with her nullification ability becoming more of a problem... but even so envy was becoming angrier as the two still weren't dead yet despite wearing down much quicker now.

Echidna: "Tch! Y-you really are annoying... w-why not fight without using that nullification ability for once, o-or are you so scared because of our chance to kill you?" She said as envy scowls at her while some of her manifestations disintegrate from echidna's magic and pressurised slashes or strikes with her staff.

Envy/schwartz: "Like you don't have something similar tho-... n-ngh-!" She said until stopping as her body stiffened before slowly beginning to twitch out of control.

Echidna seeing this with some surprise quickly takes advantage of the opportunity with her light black miasma flaring up, doing some precise movements with her staff which disintegrated the tendrils around her before casting multiple types of magic that disintegrated the miasma manifestations between her and envy, then using her staff to cast a dense beam of destructive magic that directly hits envy- stiffening and knocking her body back while disintegrating the dense miasma that was around her body as she gave no attention to either of the two.

Envy/schwartz: "-h-huh? What is- n-no! S-stop!" She began to say as another familiar voice began to be heard despite still being morphed, Gilbert uses the opportunity slash through miasma manifestations more fiercely before landing on a miasma limb as his large claws once again form a Warhammer before he bursts towards her.

Gilbert.Nule: "ANNIHILATE!!"

Gilbert slams his Warhammer down hard on envy, blood spurting out her orifices from both hits as she immediately crashes into the ground, causing a large cater as the two drop down and land together beside it while looking to envy, who's body was beginning to react uncontrollably violent while grunts and yells came from her as she speaks with some struggle as one of her eyes now glowed amber while the other was still blood red.

Envy/Schwartz: "Don't! Stop! I-I cannot allow-!" She said before shouting about again as the two carefully observe before a familiar voice once again called out despite being morphed a bit.

Subaru/Schwartz: "G-Gilbert! E-echidna!" They said as the two knew that voice was Subaru's.

Echidna: "Well look who's finally taking back physical control... though as you can see it's a bit too late." She said with some irritation as the miasma around Schwartz's body was acting wildly.

Subaru/schwartz: "w-well we all know envy's stubbornness- ngh!"

Envy/svhwartz: "Both must die f-for- gaaah!" Both say as they continue fighting over Schwartz for control as the miasma began to destabilise and surround the body.

Gilbert.Nule: "Y-Your fight for control is d-destabilising your miasma and c-causing your body and mind to collapse in on itself! A-are you certain on continuing t-this course of action?!" He said as he and echidna jump back a far distance from a mass of dark purple miasma that tore through the ground near them and other parts of the area.

Subaru/schwartz: "w-well, can't say it's exactly the worst way I've went!" He said as Gilbert appeared solemn when hearing that.

Gilbert.Nule: "that I-is unfortunate... I respect-t your courage, continue o-on!!"

Envy/schwartz: "NO-!" She shouts desperately before Schwartz immediately puked out blood while causing the miasma to destabilise faster, with more blood rapidly coming out of the body's orifices.

Envy/schwartz: "don't resist! Relent! S-Stop it! STOP!" She shouts as the miasma grew denser.

Gilbert.Nule: "Miasma density r-rapidly accumulating to extremely lethal l-levels, do you wish to follow what's a-advised and further distance ourselves?" He said as she gives an amused hum.

Echidna: "it doesn't matter really... but I want to witness this defeat personally even if I'll remember or not with my new 'life' now~" She said looking to him with a greedy smile as Gilbert was silent.

Subaru/schwartz: "E-Echidna!" He shouts catching her attention.

Subaru/Schwartz: "I-i will reverse this fate... i p-promise!" They said causing echidna's eyes to widen as she became silent at that.

Echidna: "...You damn well better...!" She muttered out while expressing some hidden pain as Schwartz manages to give a small sad smile before yelling in unbearable pain, the miasma beginning to become critically unstable as it continuously quickly consumed or destroyed parts of the area around Schwartz to no end.

Envy/Schwartz: "Nonono! Stop! I love you! I finally have you both! PLEASE!!" She yells as actual tears began to form in Schwartz eyes as the body began to shrivel up and appear dead.

Subaru/Schwartz: "S-sorry envy... BUT WE'RE ENDING THIS SECOND COMING!!" They said as the miasma then slows a bit before quickly acting up at a very rapid pace, causing a dark purple miasma pillar and more miasma to burst out and obliterate the area around Schwartz, blasting back gilbert, echidna and much debris as they scream like a horrifying banshee from one's deepest darkest nightmares.

Subaru/Schwartz/Envy: "AAAAAAAHHHHHGHHH!!!!!"

After a moment the miasma then completely disappears in an instant as their screaming suddenly stops with Schwartz then falling to her knees with her eyes dead, hollowed and bloodshot, not blinking once before completely falling onto the snowy torn up ground... the body falling apart leaving only bones as everything else bursts into ash.

—[Envy: "I-I-"]—

Chapter Text

—[Envy: "I-I-"]—

Subaru unexpectedly feels nothing... he doesn't how long it was until he began regaining some sense and feeling before opening his eyes, finding himself in an area that's completely empty and fully covered in a white rainbow tinted colour as he soon sits up and slowly begins getting onto his feet and looks about.

Subaru: "... huh... didn't expect to see this after dying like that." He said before stiffening as he realised his mouth hadn't moved once, then noticing that he was pretty much walking on air as he couldn't see the ground beneath him.

Subaru: "now that's definitely weird... but why do I not find it surprising? Is it because of this place...? actually, what even is this place?" He said as he begins looking around.

Subaru: "I still haven't felt any phantom pain from how I had died yet... hold on, did I actually die permanently?! Wait- no, I don't think that's the case... so why am I here-?" He said before cutting himself off and freezing when he finally see's envy standing nearby at a distance, still in the form of Natsumi Schwartz who looked to him with... sadness?

Subaru: "... I have many things to say to you, but something tells me you still won't give me the response I want." He said seriously while keeping an eye on envy, she remained silent before walking towards and then past him which caused him to blink a few times.

Subaru: "...okay then? Guess the silence is new." He said as he begins following after her.

Subaru: "This place does remind me of the corridor of memories, is this place also connected to odd? You know or have any idea what this place is...? you're still giving me the silent treatment, are you?" He said before becoming irritated as envy still hadn't said a word. 

Subaru: "Did what just happen really affect you that badly...? Well I say it's deserved, especially after what you just pulled with me and hurting so many! Have you ever once tried through all your time envying to actually reflect?!" He said to her rightfully angry as envy had then immediately turned to face him directly.

Subaru freezes and nervously sweats with some dread while envy just kept staring right at him before she moves her arm and gestures a certain direction, he soon follows her gaze and becomes curious as he sees a large cluster made up of floating and rotating shards that seemed to be endless before looking back at envy.

Subaru: "... you want me to go over there?" He said as envy nods, after some thought he then positioned himself where she told him and observes the rotating floating shards around him before looking back to envy.

Subaru: "... so what exactly am I supposed to do- hn?!" He said before jolting slightly with surprise as he looks to a certain shard, after some though he slowly approaches the shard as it then rotates it's flat side to face him and soon begins to show a moving image.

Subaru: "A moving reflecting image...? Hm?! That's me and-! wait, that's not rem but a girl that looks almost exactly like her... h-hold on, that place is back in Japan!!" He said with shock, seeing a moving image of himself and a girl similar to rem walking together and having ice cream in a park he recognised that was back in Japan.

Subaru: "is this what would've happened if I was never taken from Japan to this world...? an IF...!" He said with realisation before feeling multiple more sensations, looking to see other shards turn their flat side's to face him as each show different possibilities.

Subaru: "There's so many, some where I arrive to this world at a different time, some where I even made different choices little or big, even see ones where I'm good with a sword or multiple different weapons..." He said looking to the many shards floating around him curiously as almost each showed something different.

Subaru: "the amount of shards floating around appear to be endless... hn? Isn't that Emilia and rem in a wedding- EH?!?!" He said becoming flustered when one shard shows him marrying Emilia while the other showed him marrying rem, then soon after other shards show him having kids with them while he slowly calms himself.

Subaru: "D-didn't expect that... but the one with rem, is this what would've happened if she and I had decided to run away back then?... Hmm... ngh?!" He said with thought before suddenly feeling another sensation, but a slightly uncomfortable one as he looks to a floating shard that emitted a somewhat sinister presence.

Subaru: "... Something suggests I'll still soon see what's on you despite my decisions... well, better do this on my own terms... maybe it wants show a version of me that's still stuck in that jailcell." He said with some annoyance, approaching the shard as the flat side turns to face him before showing something that caused him to take time to process.

Subaru: "... e-eh...? I-impossible, that couldn't be...!" He said with horror starting to panic.

What the shard showed was a reflecting moving image of himself- but unlike what he saw from the shards before he was smiling sinisterly without empathy or remorse, standing on top of a post while around him many buildings were on fire as people were running about screaming and crying with multiple corpses around the place and many surrounding the post he was currently standing on.

Subaru: "w-what in the-?! W-WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!?!" He yells with terror and dread at the sight in front of him before quickly feeling many more off-putting sensations. 

Multiple shard's around him then rotate their flat side's to face him, each showing different versions of him committing horrendous and atrocious acts that soon cause him to tremble and fall to his knees from the pressure of it all, the screams and cries grew louder and louder until envy intervenes by appearing near him blows away the floating shards with a swipe of miasma pressure causing the screams and cries to immediately stop, she then looks to Subaru who stayed trembling on the ground as he looks to his hands.

Subaru: "S-so many... I-i killed so many...! I-I... I-i really..." he said to himself before his hand flop onto the ground as he slouches, his eyes only giving an empty dead look.

Subaru: "...I truly am a monster."

He couldn't deny it- nobody could after witnessing multiple inhumane things like that, only a monster could have the drive to do the horrific actions just shown and he saw many versions of himself do atrocities on a large scale without any remorse or empathy, it was terrifying... HE was terrifying and this has proven just how terrifying he and his ability can be.

Subaru: "... They were right to be afraid of who I am... I deserved to be stuck in that cell... I don't even deserve to be- heh, right... how ironic isn't it...?" He said with self-disgust causing envy to be bothered by that.

Subaru: "oh Subaru... how can you still say your any kind of hero after-... Subaru... th-that's... Wait-!" He said looking to his hands while certain memories flow through his mind as he begins to realise... himself?

Subaru: "S-Subaru... Subaru... that's me...! I'm Subaru! they might be Subaru, but I am Natsuki Subaru! I am ME!!" He said regaining his will with determination while looking to his hands.

Subaru: "They took the easy route, to hurt so many people and even enjoy it- I didn't! I hate hurting people, i choose to help others, I decided to take the harder route, I'm not them! I...! a-and I..." he said as he finally decides to accept the dark part of himself.

Subaru: "I... Envy..." he said surprising envy as he looks to her with a sad smile.

Subaru: "It's impossible for me not to have... reminds me a bit on how i felt with my parents too... I've been surrounded by strong, smart and amazing people while I'm just sad, weak and idiotic, no matter how much I train and try to get stronger I could never see myself catch up and reach them because of my limitations and mistakes... but I'm fine with that, because if it means I can help many others I wouldn't change it." He said as he then notices one of the many shards floating slowly coming towards him as he then caught and inspects it.

Subaru: "There are many things both in this world and my own that I envy, including over certain things that surround my personal authority... but I don't envy any of those awful versions of me one bit, they chose to hurt so many others and I would never envy that. There was always the possibility that different decisions were made, but I will not let them control who I am and how I do things now!... Even if that means I'm just another star in the cluster." He said as shard showed his reflection.

Subaru then lightly tosses the shard away as it floats back into the cluster of shards in front of him, he then looks to an upset envy who was hesitant to look at him while rubbing her arms as he then goes to bar and sighs deeply.

Subaru: "I can't say I understand you envy, it would be rude if I pretended to do so... I can't forgive what you've done, nothing can... but..." he said before letting his actions do the rest.

Subaru goes up to envy and hugs her, making her freeze with a look of surprise before she begins to tear up and cry as she then slowly hugs him back, with amber miasma begining to appear and emanate around them as it began to cover the two until the whole area was filled with a bright flash of light.

—[Envy: "...I love you."]—

Subaru gasps and falls to his knees as he begins to breath heavily, interrupting the voices talking as the miasma emanating from him instantly vanished causing gilbert, patrasche and omega to look with some surprise before omega soon realises what must've occurred and scowls.

Omega: "Of course... should've expected after being back for so long." She said very annoyed as Gilbert and patrasche look back to her with a glare.

Gilbert: "so you are familiar of what just occurred, Explain!" He said as omega sighs.

Omega: "While I would like too, unfortunately due to the consequences I cannot. This private matter that only a few certain individuals know including myself and Subaru-"

Subaru: "so what if I'm just another, how does that matter now?" He said interrupting omega, catching everyone's attention as he gets onto his feet and looks to her with a serious and determined glare.

Subaru: "There was always the possibility, all this has done is just make me more aware of that. I am who I am and I won't let anyone or a bunch of IF's change that!" He states causing silence while both gilbert and patrasche were somewhat confused as omega smiles at his answer.

Omega: "hm... intriguing~... you always find ways to surpass interest's Subaru~" She said as he keeps his glare, soon they all hear footsteps approaching until a familiar voice calls out.

Noelle: "Omega! There you are, did you have to leave us behind to trail you?" She says as the rest of omega party has finally arrived and went beside her.

Omega: "Apologies, I had become too eager to meet my old friend again after learning his location." She said with a smile as some were annoyed.

Subaru: "We're not friends!" He said causing the rest of the omega party to be more curious of their relationship.

Shion: "still, you shouldn't just go ahead without telling us, The one who's gone about injuring mabeast's to attack others might still be around!" She said as they kept their guard up on the way here.

Omega: "I've already dealt with it if you wish to know." She said smirking as plmyra and lilac grunt annoyed while the rest sigh.

Lilac: "Of course you would... so which one of the two is the old friend you talked about?"

Omega: "both of them are old friends of mine actually... I just didn't expect to meet one due to their circumstances." She said catching their interest.

Gilbert: "You must be the group of individual's she has formed here, correct?" He said as colette nods with a slight bow.

Colette: "Th-that's us, it's nice to meet you." She said with a kind smile as Subaru winces at that, recalling her and the rest of the omega party's horrific fate before returning a kind smile with some sadness.

Subaru: "It's nice to meat you all too... so, how's it been dealing with her? I could guess it's been along the lines of... a handful?" He said making some snicker and the rest stifle their giggles while omega's smile teached a bit at that.

Palmyra: "Glad to know it's mutual between us, we have to keep almost a constant eye on her since she would irritate or aggravate others with her cryptic wording or even cause problems due to how clumsy she is." She said massaging her forehead while omega gives her usual smile.

Omega: "come now, there's no need to exaggerate." She said as the rest of the omega part look to him with deadpanned expressions.

Lilac: "you once accidentally fell backwards using wind magic and caused a small snow blizzard in a village when we fought against a mabeast, while it did help beat the mabeast- it blocked the villagers inside their houses to which then took hours to help them clear it all." She said causing omega to wince and sweatdrop at that.

Shion: "you also mentioned about tripping into a river and doing so again but accidentally setting a forest on fire, palmyra and collete have also mentioned how they helped you after you fell asleep in an open snowy plain." She said as omega looks down with defeat and a small pout.

Subaru: "yeah... can definitely see her somehow doing those things." He said with his own deadpanned face while gilbert nods in agreement, having his own knowledge of her.

Collete: "b-but even so, she's helped each of us with our problems and has been a good friend!" She said causing him to lift a brow while pulling omega to her by the arm as she let her do so, giving a poker faced look while Noelle nods with a smile.

Noelle: "She's right, though most of our problems outcomes were unfortunate... we're thankful for her assisting and trying to help us! we all may have our gripes at times, but we get along well and are having a great time travelling together." She said as the rest of the omega party also gave a slight nod and smile of agreement at that, causing Subaru to be surprised by this as he blinks for a moment before forming a small smile at that.

Subaru: "I see... It's good to hear that... hm?" He said before seeing omega expression silently shifting a bunch and realises she must be mentally conversing with t witches in her glintstone, the others also soon notice her silence before she sighs slightly and gives her usual smile.

Omega: "My apologies for the sudden silence, though it now appears that another group who's also with us wish to once again meet and interact with you both in a more private setting." She said annoying most with her crypticism while Subaru and Gilbert realised what she meant.

Subaru: "So the others now want to meet up again privately speak with both me and gilbert along with you in your glintstone?" He said with a serious look as Gilbert stiffens, appearing a bit bothered as omega's smile widens.

Omega: "my, you truly have grown~" She said causing the rest of omega party to be surprised.

Palmyra: "you understood what her cryptism meant?!"

Subaru: "You manage to catch onto to certain parts and get it, but even then she has her ways to make her words mean something entirely different." He said with annoyance while omega gives a faint blush and smile. 

Omega: "How flattering of you to compliment me~ well...? won't you both be nice boys and accept this young maiden's simple request?" She said fanning her face with her hand with slightly red cheeks, causing Subaru to give a hard huff at that.

Subaru: "I doubt it is simple when it's coming from witches... hm... okay fine, you alright with doing this too Gilbert?" He said with a sigh as Gilbert was silent before giving a slight nod.

Gilbert: "I also accept the request, I also have my reasons to meet them despite personal qualms." He said as omega giggles with some delight and claps her hands.

Omega: "How kind of you gentlemen, such a rarity these day's... could you both please come and place your hands on top of mine~?" She said taking off her glintstone and places it in her hand, lending her arm out to them both as they soon approach and place their hands on top of hers and in the glintstone.

Omega: "Excellent~! Now, there is a slight possibility of a delay due to multiple factors so you both might be alone together for a short period... just synchronise both your mana flows with the glintstone's and I'll handle the rest." She said as the two nod before omega casts some magic, causing a white glow to emit from the glintstone until there was a bright flash of light.

_______

Within omega's glintstone/The witches tea party:

Subaru vision clears as he now see's himself back at a familiar blue sky'd field, he can still feel the presence of gilbert who was standing beside him yet he couldn't feel echidna's presence or the other witches yet.

Subaru: "So echidna was truthful about the chance of a delay... are you doing alright over there- WOW!! G-gilbert?!" He said before shouting with surprise as he looked to gilbert.

Gilbert: "Subaru? You're height has increased in my vision, has a problem occurred from the magic used on us?" He said with some concern as Subaru isn't sure on what to say.

Subaru: "n-no! W-well, it's just look so different...! is this your old body?" He said as Gilbert looks at himself and freezes in recognition, causing many memories to flow through his mind.

Gilbert's current appearance in his old body was very different to the one Subaru had gotten used too, his height was now a few inches shorter than Subaru's and even his appearance was entirely different to his present body:

His body appeared more robotic and less advanced with both his legs were thinner while having 2 wheels acting as heels on both feet, his right arm being large, bulky and fully metallic with a clawed hand that was manually implanted, his left arm was still his but appeared to be modified having a dragon cannon for a hand, his tail was still the same but is more downgraded, his eyes sclera was grey  and his head had more visible robotic part to it along with his forehead now having grown 3 white glowing horns with a black-tinted outline.

As for clothes he had a dark grey waist cape that can let his tail act as a belt, a worn black sleeveless skin tight shirt with blue and white parts, a black and purple scarf band and a torn white cloak with blue and black parts, but what unsettled Subaru about Gilbert's current past appearance was that it was badly damaged with cracks, dents and gashes all over his body and tail along with having a large gash across the middle of his body.

Gilbert: "... It appears that's so." He said seeming very bothered by this as Subaru frowns with concern before he makes up his mind.

Subaru: "gilbert... if it's alright, could you fully explain what happened with you back then when you gave yourself that task?" He said since echidna is one not to tell the full story, gilbert stiffens for a moment before looking to his dragon cannon and decides to answer.

Gilbert: "... as you were told: there were only 27 of the T.O.G series created with my designation being 0 as the prototype. Through the many tasks given to us we had lost brethren until only 5 of us remained active... I mourned them... after our last joint task I stayed at the watchtower while the rest were each sent individually into the 4 surrounding nations, the remaining aside from myself were designated as: 5-E, 12-L, 16-P and 19-S. Flugel had stated to us that the other 4 were being cared for and watched over within each nation... but as you now know, I had learned that wasn't what had occurred." He said as Subaru thinks and nods.

Subaru: "The corridor of memories... how did you manage to get there?" He said as Gilbert soon looked up to the sky with thought.

Gilbert: "During my time within the constructing Pleiades watchtower, I had come into contact with a voice... though we never met personally, I was able to identify that it was of female origin.  She would appear behind any door within the watchtower with a glow, with the door acting as an unmovable obstruction when in use, we would ask questions to the other and discuss over many subjects... then the day came where she told me to come through, to which I had found myself within the corridor of memories... and soon after was shown the fate of my brethren." He said as his eyes glowed red in rage, clenching his shaking hand while Subaru grimaces.

Subaru: "That must've been awful... I know i'd feel that way." He said as Gilbert slowly calmed down and looks down.

Gilbert: "The sight will stay with me to eternaty... After a confrontation with Flugel I did some final errands and last interactions with those around the watchtower, then fully cut off my connection with him before setting out on the task I had given myself." He said before looking to his big arm, lifting it a bit and flexing his fingers.

Gilbert: "Throughout my quest, In order to ensure survival adaptation was a must... even having to use parts and pieces of my fallen brethren to fix my old body from the severe damage it had taken overtime... i had given them and others opportunity's to stop or take different paths, but the only option given was for their destruction and demise." He said being visibly upset by this.

Subaru: "... you really had no choice." he said sadly as Gilbert gave a heavy nod.

Gilbert: "Their obsessive desire had become their sole purpose, they wouldn't halt their killings abd each I encountered had accumulated a different amount of it with those having more further mutilating themselves, but E..." he said while he recalls a very painful memory:

0-E: "Your termination along with any who have the possibility of surpassing me will prove my superiority! EXTERMINATE!!" Said a figure with glowing lime green eyes that only had little similarity to Gilbert, as almost every body part had been mutilated and replaced  to improve it.

Gilbert: "...there was nothing left of him." He said with sadness, shedding a tear as Subaru was shocked after hearing that bit before soon grimacing while giving a solemn hum.

Subaru: "I'm sorry... is that why you dislike your other form?" He said making him stiffen for a second before he looks to him.

Gilbert: "So flugel also informed you of my Nuclease transformation... I do not dislike or have any hate for the form itself, the qualms I have are with actions and consequences caused by the body it honours... the body that is my current appearance here." He said solemnly as Subaru thinks over that.

Subaru: "i see... but I don't think you should let what happened affect your thoughts on your transformation and past body." He said catching his full attention.

Gilbert: "... explain?"

Subaru: "Well... everyone's had very hard times they'd want to forget about- even me, while It's mostly always hard to look back on those difficult and sensitive memories, they help us learn and find ways through many situations later on. The Nuclease form may remind you a bit of your hard times, but it's different and still has its own memories for you to make with it, both good and bad... just like you once did before." He said with a small sad smile, as he also understood somewhat due to his ability while Gilbert was silent.

Gilbert: "... your perspective on the matter is valid. The memories of what had happened long ago can never be forgotten and will always remain, yet even so as both time and life continue and evolve I must embrace the same. The wonders of how this world views me and my Nuclease form do give some curiosity, but one thing is certain ... You have my respect Natsuki Subaru." He said surprising and embarrassing Subaru a bit.

Subaru: "I-I was only trying to help out, but I appreciate knowing that... would it be alright to possibly see the form when we get back after we're done?" He said bothering him.

Gilbert: "I prefer to only use the Nuclease form when it's necessary... the transformation may improve my prowess and abilities, but once I exit or am forced out of the form almost all mana and miasma I've accumulated are expelled from my body putting me in a dangerously weak state... I am able to quickly accumulate and restore part of my strength afterwards, but it still does take a bit of time." He said making Subaru alarmed.

Subaru: "WHAT?! There's a chance you could die from mana depletion after using it?! That's just harsh...! N-Nevermind then, sorry." He said sweatdroping as Gilbert waves him off.

Gilbert: "You hadn't known,  but if the opportunity arises to where I must- I will reveal it to you and those fighting alongside when given the opportunity to do so." He said making him smile.

Subaru: "Thanks Gilbert, you're a fiery, cool and unique rouge spirit." He said as Gilbert gave a small smile of his own.

Gilbert: "As you are unique, humble and understanding Subaru." He said before a voice suddenly calls and echoes out to them both.

???: "Oi... you both done conversing with each other?" Said a familiar voice as the two look up.

Subaru: "I guess so... did echidna listen in to the conversation between us?"

???2: "Don't worry, we made sure dona wouldn't overhear you two after we were ready!" Said another familiar voice as the two could hear echidna grumbling with some irritation.

A quick sound of glass reforming is heard before 6 familiar witches along with some decor suddenly appear in front of the two, with typhon, carmilla and Minerva standing close to each other, sekhmet lazily lying down on the grass, Daphne chewing on a treat and echidna sitting at a table with another 4 empty chairs around it while drinking tea. Subaru sweats somewhat nervously at the familiar sight while gilbert looks to each a bit solemnly, stiffening a bit at Daphne before typhon waves to them with a smile.

Typhon: "heya, it's been a short while baru~! It's also great to see you again Gil~! After learning what had happened we all thought you were gone! It's surprising to see you in your past body here though." She said as both walked over to them all.

Gilbert: "I could say the same, Typhon. My reawakening along with the current appearance I've taken here weren't of my own intention...Minerva." He said as Minerva approached the two with a small smile.

Minerva: "Gil, or I suppose it's Gilbert now... while I'm also glad to see you again, I need to have a private discussion with Subaru on an important subject, if that's alright?" She said making Subaru sweat when hearing that and agrees.

Subaru: "I suppose so... is this fine with you Gilbert?" He said as Gilbert soon nods.

Gilbert: "Very well... but afterwards I would like to converse with you, it has been sometime since our last meeting after all." He said as Minerva gives a hum and nods.

Minerva: "Thank you, I also wish for the same after we're done. This shouldn't take long... and no eavesdropping on us echidna!" She shouts as echidna huffs with annoyance at that while both Subaru and Minerva make some distance, leaving the rest to catch up with gilbert.

Typhon: "So how has it been in your time travelling together with baru~?" She said as gilbert thinks before giving a small smile.

Gilbert: "Multiple factors suggest that I have enjoyed it... I suppose you are still regularly assisting sekhmet despite your current circumstances?" He said as typhon nods.

Typhon: "Yep! While it's true we don't really need now... we should still at least move about, wash and eat once in a while with all the time we have here!" She said with a grin before an invisible force pulls her cheek, making her yelp as sekhmet just groans as she shifts about.

Sekhmet: "You still don't have to constantly nudge and make so much noise just to wake me though... such a bother..." she said grumbling a bit, as an invisible force helps her body up until she's on her feet while typhon huffs.

Typhon: "I have tried, but you either just waved it off or wouldn't budge a single bit!" She said stomping her foot with a pout before sekhmet pats her head, making her slightly flustered as sekhmet sighs with a faint smile.

Sekhmet: "No need for a tantrum, you know how I like keeping things quiet as possible... I don't mind being up for a bit to see a familiar face after a long while, good seeing you Gilbert." She said lazily as gilbert gives a nod.

Gilbert: "You as well sekhmet..." He said before looking to carmilla, both staring at eachother with some tension.

Carmilla: "... primal tactless assassin."

Gilbert: "... hypocrite." Both say to each other with some irritation as typhon frowns.

Typhon: "OI! Those aren't nice things to say to each other!" 

Gilbert: "Apologies, but despite our certain amount of respect towards the other it is only appropriate as after all... aside from certain others much deserving, I dislike her the most." He said as both narrow their eyes to each other while echidna hiccups. 

Echidna: "ahem... pardon me, though why do I feel that part of that last bit was directed towards me?" She said as gilbert gives her a side look.

Gilbert: "You already have the knowledge of my opinions of you echidna, I would say more but that is what you want isn't it?" He said as she shrugs before going back to drinking her tea with a slight smile.

Carmilla: "h-how could you understand how I feel? Y-you just act and speak your mind without hesitation even in vulnerable situations despite others opinions!" She said with annoyance as he looks back to her.

Gilbert: "past instances have indicated that to be mostly true, I have accepted that... yet unlike me not once did you act and try to stop the killings of those devoted to you, you've only cared for yourself and that's come to the point of you resenting your own race. The fact others killed for you doesn't mean the blood of those they slaughtered aren't also on your hands." He said casing carmilla to glare with anger before scoffing, soon giving him a neutral look again.

Carmilla: "I-i still don't think they would've... I-it is appreciated that you decided to accept seeing us again despite some of the things you must've felt." She said as Gilbert gives a sharp hum.

Gilbert: "I had my reasons for accepting, it also would've been impolite due to my history with certain individuals here." He said as sekhmet yawns.

Sekhmet: "Always to see people that know how to not turn conversations into a shouting match... can whoever's making that irritating noise tone it down?" She said with a frown as a noise was getting louder, which is soon recognised as chewing as they look to Daphne.

Carmilla: "u-um, Daphne? Could you-"

Echidna: "she's stressed, enough to the point she's focused on that treat she's chewing I suppose." She said as Gilbert took a few stops forward and stares with visible sadness.

Gilbert: "... Daphne..." he said with some emotion as Daphne freezes, being silent until swallowing the treat she chewed on and slowly looks to Gilbert.

Daphne: "... Gil-Bert..." she said as she moves her coffin until she positions herself in front of him while the rest watch.

Daphne's mouth trembles with some saliva dropping out, though the rest weren't sure if it was from actual emotion, hunger or maybe both. Gilbert then raises his large arm and places a clawed hand on her cheek, causing her to stiffen and inhale sharply before a brief glowing illusion forms over him:

The illusion showed his previous appearance in his past body as his right arm now appeared to be his with his hand being a small excavator claw, his left arm was unmodified, and his whole body and tail had no dents, cracks, gashes or any type damage. The illusion then fades as Gilbert then slowly moves his clawed hand to her chains restraints before looking back to her.

Gilbert: "...may i?" He said as she is silent before slowly giving a nod.

Daphne: "... y-you may." She said as he brings his large arm back.

Gilbert brings out one of his clawed fingers before quickly doing certain precise movements, the sound of daphnes restraints unlocking are then heard along with chains and shackles beginning to loosen and jingle around her causing typhon and carmilla to be alarmed.

Typhon: "Gil's freeing Daph!"

Carmilla: "H-have you gone mad?! Stop this-!" Both say going to prevent Daphne's release, but were prevented by an invisible force as sekhmet then speaks up.

Sekhmet: "Quiet down, your shouting is disturbing the atmosphere... he knows how to handle her..." she said as the the two calm themselves though the atmosphere was still tense, while echidna was quietly watching the situation as she drank her tea.

Once the restraints open and the restraints and shackles loosen, the centipede coffin fully freezes in place with Daphne slipping out of it as gilbert catches her and quickly places her in a comfortable yet firm hold. Gilbert then carefully moves her blindfold down and off her face... she soon slowly begins opening her eyes with some hesitation before they were fully open as the two look to each other.

Gilbert: "... 'there is always the chance beauty can be consumed by something tangible or not, yet even so there will always still be a trace of its beauty at its centre.' is that not so?" He said as Daphne's eyes widen at that before a river of tears start to flow from her eyes along with saliva and drool from her mouth as she gives a sad smile.

Daphne: "R-right... I'm glad to see your still here... I-I'm so glad..." she said with relief, burying most of her body into his while he also shed a few tears.

Gilbert: "... I am also glad to have you in my presence again." He said with emotion as the two embraced each other, the tension in the atmosphere fading as carmilla sighs in relief, typhon grins at the sight and both echidna and sekhmet give a hum.

Meanwhile with Subaru and Minerva, both were now at a distance where they could have their private conversation as Subaru was slightly nervous, thinking what she wanted to talk about while also noticing Minerva having a solemn yet grumpy look due to her wrath.

Subaru: "so what did you want to talk with me about? You seem bothered, are you fine?" He said scratching his head as Minerva huffs.

Minerva: "why ask me that when you're doing worse dum-dum...? But you aren't exactly wrong, which is why I wish to make a request:" She said making him nervous and curious before he jumps back startled as she immediately bows while tearing up.

Minerva: "Please, keep looking after Emilia and those with her in her camp! I-i know your hurt and that it's awful- even making me mad at myself for asking you to do this, but please-!" She pleaded with tears in her eyes before Subaru interrupts.

Subaru: "C-Calm down! I would've done that even if you hadn't asked." He said surprising her.

Minerva: "e-eh?" She said as he sighs.

Subaru: "it's true that I'm very unhappy with most after what has happened... but understand why and I'd still look after the camp when I am able to now- though I might have to brawl with them a bit, I am still Emilia's knight even if she's forgotten that." He said surprising her.

Minerva: "oh... but I must ask why? after what's happened I doubt you would just do that..." she said with a frown.

Subaru: "I have my reasons too, along with others who also want too and influence that... but it's nice to know another important person to her also wanting the same, you are her mother after all." He said causing her to be shocked.

Minerva: "?!?! H-how did you-?!"

Subaru: "I had a slight hunch at first after noticing how both you and Emilia act similarly, then the more I learned about you later on the more dots that connected and I just knew... did you know you both have the exact same look when pouting? Honestly adorable." He said causing her to blink with some surprise at that before giving a sad smile as she sheds a tear.

Minerva: "we do huh...? You are right, yet though I am her mother fortuna was much more of a mother to her than I was. But now that you know, I ask that you not tell her about this..." she said as Subaru huffs.

Subaru: "Minerva, if you think her learning that your her mother will change things, it won't. Sure it will be a bit shocking, but considering what others have mostly called and cursed at her she'll probably be fine with it. Hey, she'll probably do better than I did learning that flugel and satella are my ancestors." He said causing her eyes to widen before they soften.

Minerva: "So you have learned of your heritage... are you certain she should know? there could be consequences and I want her to stay safe and as herself." She said as he nods.

Subaru: "She deserves to know after everything, even if she sees fortuna as her mother- she'll still want to meet and get to know you if she has the chance... if it helps, I'll wait until the perfect moment to tell her, after all something special needs to be revealed on a special occasion." He said with a smile as Minerva thinks a little and sighs.

Minerva: "Alright... but if something wrong does happen, you better reverse it or else!" She shouts while giving an angry glare as Subaru quickly nods nervously.

Subaru: "P-promise! despite how things are now, I don't want anything bad happening to her either." He said as she softens and gives a small smile while crossing her arms.

Minerva: "good... and thank you, she means a lot to me." She said as he smiles and nods.

Subaru: "I understand... it's kinda nice to know that another besides me has a witch watching over them." he said annoying her a bit 

Minerva: "We watch over more than you know... That said, I also thank you for being with my disciple." She said looking to Gilbert in the distance while shocking Subaru.

Subaru: "wait, Gilbert's your disciple?!" He said as she nods.

Minerva: "After first meeting around the border of getsuko and some observation, I decided to tutor him a bit and assist in showing him how to harness and channel his immense rage and destructive tenacity's into something controlled and productive." She said as Subaru stares at her.

Subaru: "... I guess that makes sense as you are wrath, but it also doesn't considering your authority heals people." He said with confusion as she growls with annoyance.

Minerva: "Everyone's wrath is unique! yes we are polar opposites as I heal and he destroys but I was the best individual to help him improve and be more focused... come on, time we head back and talk to the rest." She said as the two begin returning to the rest, seeing Gilbert assisting daphne repositioning her blindfold back over her eyes before place her back into her centipede coffin as the restraints and chains quickly restrain her once more with his assistance.

Gilbert: "restraints secured, are all functions operating at full capacity?" He said as Daphne then makes her coffin move about a bit before closing and opening its lid.

Daphne: "Yep! Thanks dear Gil-bert~!" She said grinning as she positioned herself beside him before everyone noticed them returning.

Echidna: "seems you both have finished... oh, you seem more different than expected mineva~ did he manage to figure it out?" She said as Minerva nods with a grunt.

Minerva: "He found out... but I don't feel as bad as I thought I would've been, I'm trusting him in doing his best to look after my little girl and keeping her safe or else he knows what'll happen." She said causing some surprise as echidna's smile widens, while minerva and Subaru look to each other and nod before she looks to gilbert.

Minerva: "Well my old student, much time has passed hasn't it...? Before we talk further, I must know if you continued with the lessons of focus, precision and control that I taught you after reawakening." She said raising her fist to him as he looks to it.

Gilbert: "Due to the length of my slumber my body needed time to recalibrate and adjust, despite the fault I continued to use my rage and destructivity effectively with your teachings and my own knowledge." He said raising his own fist as the two fist bump, causing a glass crack between both fits that quickly repairs itself as both retract their fists and Minerva smiles.

Minerva: "I'm glad to hear that, it important to keep remembering the basics after all... especially with wrathful authority's like our and what we could do if enraged." She said as he nods while Subaru realises something.

Subaru: "Hold on! Isn't Daphne the one who gave him his authority? how has it become one connected to wrath?" He said confused as echidna hums.

Echidna: "When an individual is gifted an authority there is the possibility of it altering overtime in its manifestation as its carrier grows, while one may assume him absorbing the E-DNA of mana and miasma being stress eating- in reality he's angry to the point he's making himself to eat. An authority mostly connected to wrath with some ties to gluttony." She said surprising him as few of the others nod.

Daphne: "it suits his spicy aroma well~! Oh, that reminds me of spi-spi who you had helped fill her long hunger subarun." She said catching his attention as he realises who she meant.

Subaru: "wait, are you talking about spica?" She said as Daphne nods.

Daphne: "yep! Those who help fill up hunger are to be appreciated! Continue looking after her when you are able, I also request you also look after her Gil-bert, she is a special one~!" She said causing a bit of surprise.

Subaru: "Of course, would've done it even if you didn't ask." He said while gilbert thinks.

Gilbert: "Though I still do have concerns due to learning her past actions... I will assist her when sighted as requested by Subaru and now you." He said as she rubs her cheek against his with a slight giggle.

Minerva: "hm, so this is what you two were mostly like together huh?" She said with a small teasing smile as Gilbert nods, while subaru looks to carmilla who gives a small shy wave. 

Carmilla: "H-hello again Subaru." She said as he waves back with a small smile.

Subaru: "Hey carmilla, nice to see you again also." He said as typhon comes up to him.

Typhon: "hey Baru~! You've changed since we last met, how have you been?" She said as Subaru sighs.

Subaru: "Well... it's been difficult honestly, but I think things will loo- and you stole part of my body." He said before realising typhon took part of his body again.

Typhon: "Still doesn't hurt, that means you're still good- EE!!" She said before yelping as Subaru chases after her.

Subaru: "Typhon! Give it back here!" He shouts while chasing typhon who runs about the place.

Typhon: "Nah!... eh?! Sekhmet!" She whined as sekhmet uses her authority to grab the piece from her and puts it back where it's supposed to be.

Sekhmet: "we have enough noise already, no need to make even more," she said as Minerva then punches the body park, fixing it back into Subaru's body.

Subaru: "Thanks sekhmet, also appreciate it Minerva." He said as Minerva huffs.

Minerva: "well, it's mean to just snatch things off others without permission so it's only right for you to have it back." she said glaring at typhon who pouts, everyone talks to each other for a few more minutes before a certain voice echoes throughout the area.

???: "Now isn't this a familiar sight... sorry for suddenly disturbing, but seeing as we're having a reunion we also wanted to meet you all again." Said a familiar voice of a certain man causing everyone except Subaru to immediately freeze.

Suddenly a golden crack appears nearby as everyone immediately looks to it, the crack slowly expands before shattering on itself as flugel and satella step through it causing most to be shocked seeing him again and a bit surprised with satella, he then turns and opens his book before doing certain movements that close up the crack and slams his book shut as he turns to face the witches, Gilbert and Subaru with satella.

Flugel: "hello... it has been a long while since some of us have seen each other, huh?" He said with a sad smile as everyone was still looking to him and satella mostly with shock.

Minerva: "F-Flugel...?! Satella, is that-?!"

Satella: "d-don't worry, it's me! Envy is currently being a bit mopey so she won't be coming out for a short while... oh- and yes, it's also Flugel." She said stumbling a bit causing Flugel to chuckle and some curiosity about envy, as typhon went to them both with a smile.

Typhon: "Gel~! You finally came to see us! And you brought Tella~ too!" She said hugging him, before trying to take his hand only for her authority not to work a faint aura of golden miasma is seen surrounding the part she grabbed.

Flugel: "it is also nice to see your still as energetic since our last meeting typhon, but it seems you have forgotten that authority's don't work on me~ I see your still the biggest ever lazy loafer Sekhmet, seeing the lack of authority." He said making typhon pout as sekhmet hums with a faint smile.

Sekhmet: "I may scold her and keep things in order when needed, but do you really expect me to constantly handle her energy and the rest...? Though I also have questions... appreciate the time you took..." she said with a yawn as he chuckles.

Flugel: "suppose you have a point... hey carmilla." He said giving her a gentle smile and wave as she soon does the same.

Carmilla: "H-hello, it's good to see you again mr.Flugel." She said before everyone jolts as Daphne jumps her coffin near his position.

Daphne: "Flug-Flug! Do you have any of those treats with you?! Please?!" She said drooling.

Flugel: "W-whoa Daphne! good to see you too, and yes... one Daphne exclusive chewy treat for the bottomless stomach!" He said waving his hands before opening his book slightly and pulls out a treat, putting it in her mouth as she begins to eat and chew with delight.

Flugel: "It should quell the hunger slightly for a short while... I see your still the keen quiet listener echidna." He said rubbing Daphne's head before looking to echidna as she smiles.

Echidna: "one must listen well when those like you come around... would you like to have some tea?" She said with very faint red cheeks whil making Flugel blush slightly as he coughs.

Flugel: "Apologies, due to the limited amount of time I currently have it wouldn't be proper if we did and I just suddenly left, perhaps another time." He said as echidnas smile turned neutral as she hums with a nod before having a small frown when looking to satella, who returns the frown with some sadness as echidna looks back to her tea and gives a faint huff.

Flugel: "and Minerva, it's great to see you too... sorry for the many worries of not appearing for a long while." He said sweating a bit as Minerva kept staring at him.

Minerva: "F-Flugel... w-why have you been gone for so long?! Everyone was worried!!" She yells at him angrily as her eyes water, causing Flugel to wince as he sighs.

Flugel: "There were reasons for my absence I assure you along with a slight mistake on the time, both OD and I also had much work to do in the corridor of memories- and now that I'm here it's going to pile up a bit." He said seriously before groaning at the last bit as satella smooths his back as to comfort and nods.

Satella: "He's being truthful, he's explained about it more in detail with his few visits to the shadow garden these past months, luckily none of it was caused by his increased time with Reid... are you alright Subaru? You and envy were alone together for a bit." She said with some concern and worry as Subaru smiles.

Subaru: "I'm a winded but fine, don't worry... I'm guessing you both also want to talk with a certain someone." He said as they look to gilbert who was quiet, as Flugel's sudden appearance visibly bothered him greatly.

Satella: "It's good to personally see you again gilbert, you must also know that I had already learned of your fate." She said kindly as Gilbert bows his head slightly before nodding afterwards.

Gilbert: "I had suspected as such, I am also glad to meet you once more satella... Flugel." He said giving satella a faint smile, before glaring to flugel who was solemn- while giving a visible small frown with his eyes glowed red.

Flugel: "Gilbert... look I... I-i cannot describe how-"

Gilbert: "As I had deservingly stated when you had reawoken me... I have NOTHING to say to you...!!" He interrupted with a tone of rage as Flugel winced before sighing.

Flugel: "I-I understand, you have every right to hold the amount of rage you have towards me after what I caused because of my foolishness... I apologise again for everything-"

Gilbert: "No matter how much you apologise or grieve, it doesn't alter what has occurred or change how I feel towards you... my rage at your actions will NEVER cease." He interrupted once again with calm yet burning rage as Flugel slowly nods heavily and sadly in agreement.

Flugel: "I know... but I just want to say, if we both manage to meet again any time in the future I will do the best I can to help if you ever need to ask for it." He said as Gilbert still glared, but soon his eyes became its normal silver again though it still had a viable large red glow to it.

Gilbert: "... despite the immense rage I hold against you, it does not affect me to where I ignore assistance or opportunity... very well." He said after some thought while continuing to glare.

Echidna: "my, what a dull show to conclude our time here is it not?" She said changing the atmosphere which annoyed some, before another voice spoke which caused slight surprise.

Subaru: "I wouldn't say we're finished here just yet, there's still something that must be answered after all." He said catching everyone's attention as they look to see he was now sitting in a chair by the table that was on the opposite end of where echidna sat.

Echidna: "oh~? you've caught our interest, would you please enlighten us then?" She said sipping her tea while Subaru crosses his arms giving a serious look.

Subaru: "It's an honest question... what happened between you and satella?" He said making her choke on her tea while startling the rest by this, especially satella, Minerva and flugel.

Echidna: "*chough* pardon me for that... theres no need for any discussion on that topic-"

Subaru: "Like hell! You keep talking about the personal and sensitive subjects of those you talk too, yet now when it comes to you- you say to just drop it?!" He shouts with some anger placing his hands on the table as echidna began to frown and become aggravated.

Satella: "s-Subaru, Sh-she doesn't have to talk about it if it's that sensitive-" she said coming to her defence making him a bit surprised but he pushed on.

Subaru: "NO! I won't! I saw flugel's old notes about how you both were once very close friends, what happened between you both? Considering how much you dug into my personal and sensitive subjects back at the sanctuary- I say it's deserving to have at least know one in return! So tell, what happened back then echidna?!" He said as echidna then immediately placed her tea down with a hard thud causing a sharp click, visibly angered as she stands up from her seat while a faint aura of light black miasma started to appear around her body.

Echidna: "you really are their descendant... but you are also very admirably unique... alright then: I'll tell you why, I'll explain and finally even fully tell satella why." She said seriously full while saying the last part full of anger and a bit of venom, causing Subaru and the others to be surprised while also shocking satella.

Echidna: "Yes... satella and I were close friends, very close considering that we had known each other since our first meeting in childhood and that we both know the others authority, I was a bit of an isolated bookworm as my greed was evolving at the time while she was the one who tried to get me out of and about- which assisted my interest in exploration and activities. At times we would talk while having tea or watching the stars together, she wanted to make the world better and I wanted to explore, see and test the limits of everything, so we both made a promise on that and we saw Flugel's invitation as our opportunity... but most here know how you handled that, don't we?" She said with calm anger before locking eyes with satella who looked upset and moves towards her, the others making room.

Echidna: "you started to kept stuff from me and things started to change causing distance, then you got envy... but this I about you- not her. you started to stay away from most even me, you began to not speak or even talk with me when we were alone, my concern for you was a factor in my decision to stay within lugunica and create the sanctuary... then you had to go bezerk, kill so many and even those close to us all before Flugel sealed you away, to which volcanica killed and sealed me away to keep YOU at bay!" She said angrily making multiple gestures while pointing and poking at satella as her eyes gave a light black glow.

Echidna: "through all that kindness of yours, you never once understood the feelings, problems and complexities others had! I may have issues with everyone here- the biggest two being flugel and Minerva with their large amount of stubbornness, you were the reasons my original plans ceased to fruition! you're the reason I got killed! You ruined my LIFE! I hate you satella!!... a-and I hate that it hurts me despite how I feel!! i hate you! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU!!!" She yells stoping her foot while clenching her teeth as large rivers of tears flow from her eyes.

As echidna cried yelling her heart out typhon and carmilla were observing with worry, sekhmet and gilbert were observing seriously, daphne was still chewing, Flugel and Minerva were observing with concern and sadness, Subaru was observing with shock and surprise... and satella was looking to her shock until she slowly becomes saddened and suddenly hugs echidna causing some surprise while echidna herself froze in shock as her miasma vanished.

Satella: "I-I am horrible, I'm such a horrid person because even when envy takes control she was still formed from my own feelings... I deserve hate from you and so many, b-but even despite it all... you will always be my best friend echidna." She said hugging her tightly as echidna tears up more and tries to shove her off.

Echidna: "SH-SHUT UP!! Get your hands off of me! I-I hate you! let go! Go...! G-get off...! I-i... h-hate... a-always... p-please... j-just stop... why...? w-why can't you just stop hurting me...?!" She said trining her best to get her off at first before her tries get weaker, causing her to start hitting her though there was not much strength to it... then finally collapsing into her defeated as she kept crying.

Minerva: "... we all made a very large mess of things which led to us being killed, it was obvious that none of our outcomes wouldn't end without immense Pain no matter where." She said as the other witches and flugel solemnly nod, while Subaru watches frowning in thought before sighing- catching everyone's attention as he fills up two teacups.

Subaru: "... look, considering what I've been through I kinda get both sides of the story in a way. I'm not telling you to forgive and forget what happened, but you have a second chance- a new life now! You've made new friends, you can see how the world has changed along with finally going where you want! It's obvious you both still care a lot about each other... maybe it's time to also give this a second chance? You can't it's impossible unless you try right?" He said with a small smile.

Subaru then goes over to satella and echidna who part before lending them the cups of tea he held, causing a very long moment of silence before the two finally pick up the cups in silence... giving short looks to the other as both appeared uncomfortable, not taking a drink before echidna finally decides to take a sip and gives a long sigh and huff bad he lips twitch a bit.

Echidna: "... cruelly using my curiosity of personal experience against me~...  I suppose trying just once more is not forbidden-" she said as satella then quickly drinks her tea and hugs her, making her surprised while Minerva fought the tea by luck and accuracy.

Satella: "echidna~!"  She says laughing with some tears of joy while echidnas face reddened.

Echidna: "h-hey! Don't just cling onto me you obsessed stargazer!" She shouts flustered, calming the rest as Minerva quietly smiled to them while wiping away some tears.

Carmilla: "phew, thank goodness... I'm glad..." she said with a shy smile while Flugel looks to Subaru and his eyes widen with a golden glow, finally fully grasping what he noticed was different about him, then smiles with a huff before going to him.

Flugel: "gotta say Subaru, that was a very mature thing to state for someone your age... even surprised me with that honestly." He said smirking, patting his shoulder making Subaru fluster slightly with a smile.

Subaru: "well... suppose it's about time I be more thoughtful and matured, to continue going where I'm heading I need to be at my prime." He said as Gilbert crosses his arms.

Gilbert: "That would increase your overall efficiency... despite my qualms with echidna, factors suggest that I am happy for the two." He said as typhon claps her hands cheerfully.

Typhon: "yay for Frienship!"

Sekhmet: "huh... well, guess it's better for me that it ended this way..." she said with a simple shrug as Daphne swallows her treat and giggles.

Daphne: "Tasty like always, thanks Flug-flug!... atmosphere aroma smells different." She said happily before becoming confused.

Echidna: "s-stop it! I still have an image to maintain especially towards guests!" She said causing satella quickly let go because of a weird feeling before panicking a bit.

Satella: What was that wierd feeling for a second...? Ah! Echidna! "s-sorry! I-it's just... while it will take time, I'm glad we can try and reconnect with each other." She said with a small smile as echidna gives her a slight smirk.

Echidna: "well, that IS the possibility... well Subaru, have we now reached our conclusion here?" She said with a familiar smile as Subaru blinks before humming.

Subaru: "Yeah... guess we have, we should probably get going incase there's a problem out there." She said with though as echidna hums in agreement before gilbert looks to Daphne.

Gilbert: "it appears we part once again... Daphne... I..." he said with emotion as Daphne positions her coffin beside him.

Daphne: "it's alright gil-bert, I will be alright with the others here... keep moving forward, don't let me choke you down..." she said dripping some saliva with a sad smile, before Flugel who overheard them thinks before giving a hum and goes to gilbert.

Flugel: "Well... I suppose you did say that this body of yours is supposed to be dead." He said catching the two's full attention while also confusing them and everyone else.

"Eh?"

Suddenly Flugel brings out and opens his book and does certain movements as the pages turn, soon after a golden miasma glow surrounds Gilbert's body until he slams his book shut, causing the area gilbert was in to appear cracked like glass before shattering as a small and tall figure skid back to opposite sides, one all recognise as Gilbert's past body- which now appeared healed and undamaged landing beside Daphne and another... his new transformation that landed beside Subaru?

Gil: "I-I'm healed...? w-wait, this connection-! We've divided into two...?!" He said as everyone except from Flugel was surprised by something like this.

Gilbert.Nule: "h-how is this... what kind of magic had you conjured to accomplish this Flugel?" He said as both T.O.G's very seriously look to Flugel who scratches his head with a nervous smile.

Flugel: "Well you know me and my creativity, plus I have much knowledge along with being your main creator... having knowledge of your certain thoughts and feelings, I thought of making a counterpart of sorts for you, one being your previous body that stay's here with those it was close too while you continue your new life... hope you don't mind another housemate to your glintstone echidna." He said causing her to smile widely.

Echidna: "Oh you know I wouldn't mind one bit Flugel, his knowledge is valuable after all despite certain restrictions~... so, how do you two feel about this?" She said as the two face each other in silent thought before nodding and looking back.

Gil: "though unexpected... we do not mind this, it partly solves an emotional dilemma and this is useful for certain scenarios. despite what's between us... we welcome it." Both say with a nod as Flugel gives an understanding small smile.

Daphne: "an aroma with such delicacy stays near me! Hehe~" she said with delight and glee causing gil to give a small smile as he smooths her hair.

Typhon was happy about there being another occupant staying with them now, sekhmet was ok with it as Gil was a quiet one and carmilla- despite her grudge and disdain for him, was also alright with it as they observed while Subaru examines gilbert.Nule.

Subaru: "so this is your transformation huh?... You look pretty cool, especially with the horns, claws and constant flames." He said smiling as Minerva hums.

Minerva: "have to agree, this form suits you well with what comes with it... very fitting." She said as the compliments made him also give a small smile.

Gilbert.Nule: "Your thoughts and words for this new form are appreciated, despite my previous qualms i could not deny it's improvement and strength to what I had previously possessed with my previous body..." he said before both he and Gil look and approach each other, being silent before both shake hands.

Gilbert.Nule: "I leave the task of attending those here and the observation of omega to you, I bid you well." He said as Gil nods.

Gil: "i do same for you, understandably more-so. my time as Gil has long since ended- your time as gilbert has just begun... we intrust our legacy to you." He said as Gilbert gives a firm nod before echidna, Subaru and him suddenly began to glow.

Echidna: "Appears we won't be able to prolong our stay any longer, I can only do so much in my body's current limited state after all~" She said with a hum before Subaru's eyes widen.

Subaru: "Oh! Better do this quick then!" He said causing some confusion before he hugs both Flugel and satella, surprising the two.

Subaru: "After everything... i think you both at least deserve this kindness." He said causing their expressions to soften as they smile with some solemn sadness before hugging back.

Satella: "You're a good person Subaru, better than us here... you'll know where flugel and I will be, be well gilbert, and until we come visit again echidna." She said with a kind smile as the family part, once everyone bids them well the 3 then see a bright flash of light.

_______

Meanwhile back in outside the glintstone, both patrasche and the omega party were keeping an eye on the three, who's figures were still in the same position with a slight white coloured aura surrounding each, while the omega party conversed amongst themselves while patrasche glared and kept her distance with a proud huff... though was slightly embarrassed as she decided to let the kind girl pet her as she seemed admired.

Palmyra: "I think the ground dragon has had enough pets from you Colette." She said placing both hands on Colette's shoulders, keeping an eye on patrasche while Colette sighs.

Colette: "g-guess so... but it's rare and surprising to see someone having tamed this breed considering their pride." She said with wonder as Noelle smiles.

Noelle: "well, suppose there's something special about him then considering omega was eager to see him again." She said with thought as Shion nods beside her.

As they all speak, lilac looks to the three with narrowed eyes before she decides to use some of her and shion's dream art's magic, trying to peer into Subaru's thoughts and memories to see if she could find something of interest... but the moment she did-

"LEAVE."

Lilac: "GAH?!?!" She shouts jumping back in shock, surprising everyone.

Shion: "Lilac! I felt you using dream arts on Subaru, what did you see from him?" She said going to her as lilac sweats a bit trying to calm herself down.

Lilac: "n-nothing... the moment I tried, I only caught a glimpse of a place filled with shadows filled of darkness along with a figure, the moment they spoke all my senses felt was danger and I immediately cut off my magic." She said surprising them as they look to Subaru.

Noelle: "seems i wasn't wrong when guessing he was special... that said, Shion and lilac what have we said about looking into others memories without consent? Also why didn't you stop her Shion?" She said looking to the two annoyed while everyone noticed patrasche was also glaring at the two.

Shion: "She was just going to see a little bit, plus again doing this has helped us all with certain people in the past." She said scratching her head with a sweatdrop while lilac huffs.

Colette: "s-still, it's very rude to just do that without permission." She said adjusting her hat.

Palmyra: "agreed, honestly I see this as a fitting lesson for you both really." She said with a slight smirk as Shion pouts while Noelle stifles a giggle.

As they all were about to continue talking, the white aura surrounding the three glowed bright before disappearing as their eyes snap open, letting go of each other's hand and taking a few steps back while quickly composing themselves as omega hums with a smile.

Omega: "well... that was certainly a productive conversation I must say, both sides even gained something from it~." She said while inspecting her glintstone, now seeing a 6th colour to it as she wears it once again while Subaru gives a nod.

Subaru: "things did end off better this time around, despite my obvious current dilemma..." He said petting patrasche to show that they were fine as gilbert nods, while the rest of omega party group up with omega.

Shion: "How was your conversation in there, did everything go well?" She said curiously as omega soon gave a hum and smiles.

Omega: "I suppose that can be said~... it was nice seeing your little group, but there's still a long path our group must continue traveling upon." She said annoying the rest of the party slightly before they look to Subaru who calls out to them.

Subaru: "Wait! before you leave... I just want to ask you all to keep looking after omega like how you all are now." He said catching them by surprise while omega was caught off by that.

Colette: "w-we will, but why ask us that?" She said as most of the group were a bit confused.

Subaru: "well... your time together has managed to make her better as a person, she still has some obvious issues that need sorting out but I think she'll improve further being with you all, that's why I ask you to please stay by her side." He said as some smile with the rest giving straight faces before Noelle nods.

Noelle: "No need for concern, we'll stay at her side and fight together as our party does, promise." She said as the rest nod to that causing omega to flush and smile a bit at that. 

Lilac: "honestly doubt she'd survive without us anyway." She said quickly dropping her happy mood as Subaru gives a small smile.

Subaru: "good... well, us 3 better not further delay your travels then right?" He said as omega quickly jumps over to him with a smile.

Omega: "Maybe so... but there's still time for one last gift a lady must give~" she said grabbing his shirt.

Subaru: "hm-?!" He said before omega kisses him, shocking everyone as she then parts with a blush as it took a second of shock for Subaru to fully realise what happened.

Subaru: "E-EHHHHHHH?!?!" He yells jumping back with an embarrassed and flustered face.

Gilbert: "... that occurrence was not once anticipated." He said as patrasche nods in agreement to that while omega giggles and jumps, landing beside the rest of omega party that were also flustered a bit by the scene.

Palmyra: "O-Omega! He's stated how things are between you both, was there really even the need to do that?!" She said annoyed as omega just gives her a smirk before subaru shouts to her.

Subaru: "y-you...! J-Just what goes through that head of yours-?! Do you just kiss anyone who interests you that much?!" She said as she gives a side smile and winks.

Omega: "I am a greedy witch of a woman Subaru~ I like to know all and that also includes certain interests of desire~... ti'll next we meet, Toodaloo~!!" She said with a giggle as she quickly leaves, the rest of omega party quickly following close behind her while they bid farewell to the 3 before Subaru grumbles and massages his temples, shamefully embarrassed.

Subaru: "ugh... why do I keep getting kissed like that?!" He said as Gilbert just looks to him.

Gilbert: "though there are many factors and possibilities... love and attachment are very complex due to its unique criteria and formation with each individual." He simply said as Subaru sighs with annoyance that she once again got the last word again.

Subaru: "still, it's irritating, knowing her though it must've been intentional... I just wondered, what exactly does T.O.G in your series mean?"

Gilbert: "The acronym stands for: the 'Tetsu Oberisuku Gokenin' series, it's most suitable considering the tasks accomplished and the actions done by both my brethren and I... With the omega party's departure there's currently nothing left of value for us here, it's advised that we return before other mabeast's near our surrounding vicinity decide to act." He said causing Subaru to sigh and nod in agreement.

Subaru: "good call... I've had enough encounters and surprises for today, let's go back patrasche." He said as she grumbles before the 3 begin leaving the area and heas back to their current temporary residence.

Later that night:

Subaru and patrasche were about to return and rest at the safe-house until Subaru had noticed gilbert who was standing at the edge of the abandoned village, looking to the sunset with thought while some mana speaker critters were with him having slightly worried looks, Subaru then pats patrasche and motions her to go ahead of him to which she does before he makes his way over and stands beside him with the mana speaker's making some room.

Subaru: "hey gilbert, are you staying here to watch the sunset?"

Gilbert: "Not intentionally, but I suppose... I was focused within my thought process." 

Subaru: "oh? what were you thinking about?" He said as Gilbert looks to the sun.

Gilbert: "...The world I had once known has changed and gone, upon my awakening many individuals, locations and other things I knew have been lost to time... I have no qualms having no current task set, but given my situation I am currently aimless..." He said a bit solemnly as Subaru eyes widen a bit before he also looks down and gives a sad frown as the sun fully set.

Subaru: "guess I also understand the feeling, while I do have goals I now wish to reach... back then when I fully realised I had my name eaten, I had no idea on what to do with myself either. But through that I began to realise something..." He said recalling the painful memories as the sky fully darkened, causing certain areas of the mana speakers to begin glowing their colours.

Gilbert: "if I may ask, what was your realisation?" He said looking to him.

Subaru: "That it's alright to loose direction. We all get lost even loosing and forgetting things overtime, but if we keep persevering forward and cherish what's important, in the end we will always manage to find our own way." He said looking back to him with a sad smile before looking to the sky, Gilbert soon following his gaze before his eyes widen in awe.

Above them both in the sky was a colourful aurora, appearing as flowing waves while shining many different variations of colours... both two watch the lights with admiration while a faint brief illusion of his 3 horns appear on his forehead as the light glows and reflects off his eyes.

Gilbert: "throughout the ever shifting darkness... the light still shines to guide." He said with Subaru giving a solemn hum while both stood and watched in silence.

After watching the aurora for sometime, the two silently decide to return to the safe-house with the few mana speaker critters that were with them saying goodnight before going their own ways... as they approached Gilbert decided to break the silence.

Gilbert: "your statement was very much appreciated Subaru...  I am thinking of exploring this changed world around areas I was familiar with, though unfortunately I'm still uncertain on where to begin." He said slightly bothered while Subaru smiles.

Subaru: "It's fine, things like this take time after all... oh, I know what might help! Do you think there might still be someone from back then around today? Maybe you could go find that other person you also mentioned having a strong connection with like Daphne-?" He said before freezing, realising he might've messed up while Gilbert slips slightly and thinks for a moment.

Gilbert: "I suppose... a unique spirit like her is likely still among us today, though I'm uncertain if she has moved her location since... I wouldn't mind us meeting again, despite the obvious explanation I must give." He said as Subaru gives a slight sligh of relief.

Subaru: "Then you go see her first, she would still be very happy to see your still around today... you can think over where to go next after while doing so, it doesn't have to be straight from one point to the next after all." He said as Gilbert thinks over on it before giving a nod.

Gilbert: "It's decided I'll first visit her then, I hope for it to go well." He said as Subaru nods.

The two soon reach the safe-house as they go down the stairs and enter it's single room, seeing patrasche who was lying on the mat still awake as she looks to the two, giving them a squeal before making herself more comfortable and begins to rest while Subaru recalls something important as he soon motions Gilbert over to the desk.

Subaru: "Right! Before you start getting back to work... I wandered if you could add this onto the back of my jacket?" He said gesturing to a piece of paper he drew on as Gilbert inspects it.

Gilbert: "This design... a big star in the middle with some smaller ones surrounding it like a star cluster, the star's design also appears similar to satella's hair-clip. you wish for this to be embroidered into your jackets back?" He said looking to it with thought as Subaru nods.

Gilbert: "I accept the request... though your design does have some flaw, but if I rearrange it a bit to properly fit..." he said as he soon begins to design on it as the pace picked up quickly,  Subaru watched his speed with surprise before he instantly stops.

Gilbert: "would this suffice?" He said showing the improved design as Subaru nods eagerly.

Subaru: "Definitely, It looks better than before! How are you so good at this?" He said smiling.

Gilbert: "In my time within the constructing watchtower alongside shaula, I had formed a creative pass-time on over this and tinkering while shaula formed one over sorting and keeping things in order, we both did them together at times...  I shall finally begin and get to piecing the designs together." He said going to the workbench while flexing his joints.

Subaru: "would you be fine having a bit of assistance? I'd like to help."

Gilbert: "hmm... I'll allow it, but when you must rest do so." He said getting to work as he points a claw out, the end of it catching flame while subaru nods.

Throughout the night gilbert works hard and fully focuses on finishing off the creation of all their new clothing and gear, cutting through fabric and metal with his claws and tail while easily using  fire magic to assist or do certain tasks along with the tools in his arsenal and on the workbench which help piece and sew the parts together while adding some decorations to certain parts. Subaru assists about the place for a decent bit until he had to go and rest alongside patrasche, while Gilbert concentrates and continues working on their new attires and equipment.

The next day, late in the morning:

Patrasche rushes up the stairs and out of the safe-house into the open area with an energised squeal, revealing to have more satchel's and bags that are full and attached to her improved saddle as she then walks on the spot for a moment until she hears someone coming up the stairs and looks to see Gilbert's head pop out.

Gilbert: "it appears your rest and improved saddle has energised you today patrasche, considering what we are all doing today it will be needed." He said as he fully comes out into the open, revealing his new clothes and gear while adjusting his scarf.

Gilbert: "The current weather appears to be in our favour... are you fully prepared Subaru?" He said as footsteps coming up the stairs are heard.

Subaru: "I am, just adjusting a few parts about a bit." He said coming out into the open, revealing his new attire and gear while adjusting the buckle of his scarf-belt.

Subaru: "These clothes and gear are great, even the stars you embroidered on the back appear cool! You also look good in your new gear and clothing gilbert." He said smiling while looking at the stars embroidered on his back before inspecting both his and Gilbert's current attires.

Gilbert: "your compliments of my skills are appreciated, these gear and clothing are also very resistant and have regenerative properties if damaged to an extent... these attires should assist us all well in our travels." He said with a small smile.

Subaru: "Sweet... say, this whip is made from the guiltylow patrasche and I defeated along with the hardened pieces from the hungry horse king that was impaled into its body, right?" He said while inspecting it as Gilbert nods.

Gilbert: "indeed, due to the different yet useful properties of both materials the whip itself had to be specially crafted under constant watch and complete focus, the result: a uniquely crafted whip that could slash even metal and leave large gashes with its sharp tail, having some sharp bits along its end and being very durable and resilient to those that try to cut it or use magic to damage it... as for its name, I have left it up to you being it's user." He said surprising subaru before he thinks on what to name his new whip.

Subaru: "hmm... I think I'll call it: Rapax-Lowe, it means rapacious spark and since it's a whip I say it's a good fit." He said as Gilbert hums in agreement.

Gilbert: "A fitting name, there aren't many specially crafted whips to my knowledge." He said as Subaru holsters his whip before getting an idea.

Subaru: "Oh! How about we all take a photo together with my phone? It'll be something nice to look back too." He said bringing out his phone as he went beside gilbert.

Gilbert: "You mean the function where it can capture us and our surroundings as a coloured picture?... I suppose we could." He said as patrasche positioned her body behind the two and stuck her head between them, before Subaru stretches his arm out holding them phone.

Subaru: "Cheese!"

Gilbert: "eh?" He replied with confusion before Subaru takes the picture, causing a slight flash as he then presses some buttons soon after and brings the picture up on his phone to show them.

Subaru: "pretty decent, considering it's the first time I took a picture with it after getting it back and hiving it modified. What about you two?" He said as patrasche squeals while gilbert nods.

Gilbert: "I also agree with you both... we should begin our departure, noon will come soon." He said as Subaru nods in agreement.

Subaru: "yeah, come patrasche." He said as the three head into the abandoned village one last time... as they were soon met by the whole group of mana speaker critters that now made themselves at home around the area.

Gilbert: "It appears the mana speakers also wish to bid us farewell before we all begin our travels once more." He said as the mana speakers surround the three, soon a fluffy one which they recognised as the one Subaru saved came forward to him while having a white gem in its mouth.

Subaru: "Hey there once again... is this for me?" He said kneeling down to it as the critter nods before Subaru puts his hand out to it, letting it place the gem on it.

Subaru suddenly felt a tingling sensation as the gem glows for a moment before the glow faded showing it had changed, the gem now mostly being a purple colour while showing an emblem that had a white, grey, black and amber colour to it.

Gilbert: "the gem seems to be an ornament of good fortune that's colours change to its holder... they wish for us to be well on our travels." He said as Subaru inspects the gem and smiles, placing the gem onto the buckle of his scarf-belt before petting the critter's head.

Subaru: "Thank you for the special gift... we'll make sure to come back and visit you all, see you then!" He said before standing up back up as the mana speakers make way for the 3.

The 3 wave back to the critters as they exit the abandoned village and fully begin their departure while the mana speakers also give a small wave, before each began scurrying about and go back into hiding. The three continued forward for a bit before they stop as Subaru sighs.

Subaru: "Well, guess we're going our different ways huh...?" He said with some sadness as gilbert gives a nod.

Gilbert: "That does appear as such." He said before Subaru gives him a smile.

Subaru: "Thank you for helping me, seriously I owe you a lot... if you ever ask me for a helping hand i will do what I can, promise. Good luck looking for your old spirit friend." He said as Gilbert gives a slight nod.

Gilbert: "I wish the same in your travels, I must also thank you for your humble kindness as I have enjoyed our time together... if you don't mind, to where have you currently set course for?" He said causing Subaru to pause before he begins thinking.

Subaru: "well, considering multiple factors with the biggest being that most of lugunica wants me back in a cell... im thinking on travelling to kararagi and staying over there for a short while, explore a bit and help out with some things over there while getting enough income for me and patrasche to get the basics." He said causing Gilbert's eyes to widen slightly.

Gilbert: "Is that so... would you both not mind it then if I also accompany you there?" He said surprising them.

Subaru: "h-huh? But I thought you were going to look for your old friend?"

Gilbert: "Conveniently she is native to kararagi and her last known living location was located near the developing city of banan. As our headed trajectory aligns... I'd like to travel alongside you both for a slightly longer period if that would be alright?" He said scratching his cheek as Subaru smiles with a small laugh before putting an arm around him.

Subaru: "That would be just fine, It'll be nice travelling together for a bit longer! Now, shall we get started before it finally becomes noon?" He said patting his back as Gilbert nods with a faint smile, accidentally giving a hard pat to Subaru's back that knocks him forward a bit.

Gilbert: "Agreed, let us commence." He said causing Subaru to chuckle a bit as he rubs his back, he then got onto patrasche as she then gives a squeal before the three begin leaving getsuko.

Subaru: "... say gilbert, who is your old spirit friend? I don't think you mentioned her name." He said with thought as gilbert hums.

Gilbert: "Apologies, the spirit I am close to is known as Zarestia, one of the 4 great spirits that cares for freedom and as much knowledge of magic." He said causing them to be shocked.

Subaru: "Z-Zarestia?! You are very close with a great spirit?! Oh, you definitely need to us more about that later on!" He said with surprise as Gilbert hums, before patrasche began to pick up the pace, causing gilbert to run before he begins to skid across the snow to keep his pace with them as they all start to cross the border back into lugunica.