A soft crunch echoed as worn black boots trudged across the loose gravel pathway, stray pebbles flying as the fatigued boy tread wearily forward. His black hair fluttered in the gentle autumn breeze, the cool air nice against his worn skin, stopping and closing his hazel eyes momentarily to bask in the wind.
Said boy was Natsuki Subaru, the half-elf's knight, the Slayer of Cultists, Feller of Witch Beasts and most recently, honouree of a medal bestowed by Vincent Vollachia himself, the Star of the Hero of Vollachia. He was truly exhausted, his mind teetering on the edge of madness, his body begging for relief as he pushed forward, desperately seeking the sight he desired the most, the sight which pushed him through the worst months of his life.
He was a hero, a true man of courage and might, but he was nothing without the girls he so desperately prayed to reunite with every single day, ever since he was thrust into a country of complete mystery. The girls were his reason to walk forward, to hold his head high and face his woes with a smile and a laugh. How he dearly missed them, how he begged for their safety and wellbeing. His contract was the lifeline for his sanity, the spirit he bound his soul to indirectly reassuring his hurting mind that they were okay. As long as he had that, he was okay.
As his tired eyes were shut, he pictured the angel he would die for in a heartbeat, who he had died for. Long, heavenly silver hair fell graciously down her back, soft amethyst jewels forming her eyes, plump lips smiled with all the wonder and beauty of the world. If anything, if he had to put his finger on one thing, she was his reason for living, as well as his reason for dying. She was his love and his desire, his brain thought of her every waking moment, his heart and soul desiring only her. She was his first thought and his last thought of his brutal days, picturing her face being the thing which drove him to fight on, to survive.
''I'll see you soon, Emilia-tan.''
Subaru slapped his cheeks with a renewed vigour, starting his march once more, determined to hear their voices, to see their smiles. He skipped down the path, energy soaring through him as he imagined her voice and the smell of her hair and the feel of her dainty fingers intertwined with his. His giddiness was clear as day, and the azure-haired oni was more than slightly confused as to why the previously worn out boy had a sudden burst of energy. She shrugged, adjusting the blonde child on her shoulders before starting her little legs again, not wanting to fall behind her travel partner.
Rem didn't dislike Subaru but found him so incredibly strange that it was nigh impossible to truly like him. He had once insisted so much about her, that he was her 'hero' and that she loved him, but he had long fallen silent with his remarks, often choosing silence over conversation as their journey weaned on. Rem felt a strange pang of loneliness at his almost spontaneous change of attitude, but she ignored it knowing that it was obviously for the better. She admired Subaru's bravery and his motivation to walk on, but she couldn't shake the smell.
The smell of the witch. The smell so pungent and vile that had he not proven his trustworthiness time and time again, she would have eventually lopped his head off mercilessly. Subaru was trustworthy though, and he had done everything humanly possible to prove himself as such. At first, his stench was so off-putting that she had to distance herself and the random child she had woken up with, a child so feral that she was a chore. He was cruel, obsessive and unreadable, acting simply psychotic before she managed to incapacitate him and escape.
Her mind was simply blank, and her body was disgustingly weak. She was lost, confused, scared and angry. She wanted away from this mess, away from the obviously bad man who would awaken and hunt them down in short time. She did everything she possibly could, but as expected, he caught up. It was like he could read her mind...he knew her every move, tracked her like a hound, beat every single trap she cunningly set and managed to corner her. He was always like this. Cunning, clever. Clever enough to win the trust of the emperor, clearly.
Rem felt like a tag-along to one of the most historically significant events of all time, following the two men of weirdly horrifying power (in different ways of course, Subaru couldn't beat a fly) around a torn country, rapidly trying to keep up. But somehow, to her surprise, they made it out alive. Subaru slowly started to tell her about her past, her lost memories, everything...and she eventually began to believe him. She learned of her sister, the twin who loved her dearly, who Subaru often said missed her more than anything else, and that he had to get her home or she'd have his head. She learned of Emilia and Beatrice, Subaru's dearest girls, the two who kept his motor running through some of his lowest times, who Subaru would ramble about for hours at a time when they were trapped in a storm or left without much else to do. She was told of the creepy clown Roswaal, who Subaru would often blame for a lot of things, often trivial things such as a random cold which were obviously not this man's fault, but it still made her giggle regardless.
As their journey developed, Rem's trust grew, and she had accepted Subaru's request to reunite with his camp back in his home country of Lugnica. Well, it was technically hers too, but she still had none of her memories but those that Subaru had told her about, which still weren't actually hers. So to Rem, things like 'home country' didn't matter, because the world was basically new to her.
She was obviously excited to meet all of these people Subaru had described so brilliantly, but her nerves were admittedly high. She couldn't help but feel a burning sense of guilt, a guilt that she had all of these wonderful people waiting for her and she didn't remember a single one of them. Subaru detailed this in his letter, of course, and the reply they got showed nothing but relief and excitement, but she was still doubtful. She would have to wait and see, to meet them in person.
So here they were, almost crawling their way home on foot, the last part of their journey taken by foot as the ground dragon was only ordered to take them to an inn a few hundred miles over the Lugnica-Vollachia border. It was frustrating but fair and made their journey a whole bunch easier.
Well, as easy as it would get with the blonde child Louis on her shoulders. Louis was feral, she was a child who appeared to be truly brainless, like a rabid animal. Subaru had explained who she was, what she did, but the child had grown on him because she was clearly no longer gluttony. She was in for the ride, and whilst she didn't actually do anything, she gave the pair a means of sanity when times got rough. They could never fall too far into the throes of depression because if they did, the child would probably find a way to kill herself accidentally.
But right now, she was fast asleep, sitting upon Rem's shoulders. The pair lightly trailed Subaru, who had renewed his gait with fresh vigour, marching on to meet those he loves the most.
They were deep into the forest which surrounded the esteemed manor of Roswaal L. Mathers, Subaru being deeply familiar with the surroundings of the new mansion. He remembered the walks he had taken along this very road, usually hand in hand with the petite hands of his EMT or his Beako. His giddiness exploded, unbelievably excited to reunite with them both, so glad they were both okay.
Subaru had worried for so long, but when he was finally in a situation stable enough to both send and receive letters, he took his opportunity. A long letter expressing his every emotion, his journey accurately detailed with words from even the likes of Vincent Vollachia himself, vouching for Subaru's achievements. Subaru truly poured his heart out, not even knowing if his letter would reach his target, but he knew that if they were anywhere now, they'd be home. It truly had been months.
So he waited and waited, unable to enjoy his stay in Vincent's home due to the nerves and stress.
He waited a week,
Then two.
And finally, a response came. 3 individually bound letters, each addressed to Sir Natsuki Subaru.
The first was from the camp in general. Roswaal said his part, expressing how word of his achievements had spread far and wide, his name celebrated for improving international relations so greatly. Subaru was not only the hero of Vollachia but had managed to earn himself multiple awards and recognitions from the Lugnican Sage Council, despite his stance as the Knight of the Witch of Glaciation. Subaru detailed everyone's journeys in the past few months, Subaru's heart panging with pride as he read each and every one of his friend's accomplishments.
Everyone was alive, they had somehow avoided a major conflict in the months of Subaru's absence.
The first letter also contained words from the maids of the manor, Ram and Frederica, as well as a short word from each of the Arlam villagers. He had never been happier reading words, how he cried when he saw Ram's simply 'thank you, Barusu'.
He was also told of the protocol for his return, a plan key to his safety in returning to Lugnica. He was a worldwide name, a hero renowned for his keen eye and razor-sharp ingenuity. He was the genius behind the re-rising of Vincent Vollachia, the slayer of the great witch beasts, a man who slew multiple archbishops, a genius strategist and a perfect game-planner. He was rumoured to never have been incorrect, to never blunder, to never slip up. Roswaal made sure to tell him of his reputation, one which presented a genuine danger.
Subaru giggled, knowing it was all utter bullshit. 'If only they knew, eh?' he'd often think to himself, knowing the truth couldn't have been different.
The second letter was written by a team of Otto, Garfiel, Petra and Beatrice. He chuckled at the immense handwriting differences, Otto having the print-like scribe of a merchant, Garfiel's writing looking like a spider had walked across the page with ink on it's feet, Petra's being carefully written with perfect handwriting and Beatrice...how Subaru's eyes watered when he read what Beatrice wrote.
She had written her part of the letter in near-perfect Japanese.
It obviously all meant so much to the black-haired boy, his friends were all alive and they all loved him and missed him, but his Beako...she just knew the way to his heart.
He recalled the evenings they'd sit, Beatrice, seated in his lap, going over the Japanese language. Those were nights he treasured, nights where the only thing he had to worry about was the little girl he adored. Beatrice would be so proud, so happy she was learning something from Subaru's homeland. It was their little thing, and Subaru was so honoured that she had taken those evenings just as important as he had. Her message didn't have to be long or complicated, in fact it, to summarise, basically said 'We love you Subaru, come home', but the thought behind it blew Subaru away. To write it in Japanese meant the world to Subaru, and whilst he would always cherish the letter, Beatrice's page was something he would never let leave his person.
Garfiel and Otto's words were ones that genuinely made Subaru roll in laughter. Neither of them had changed one bit. Otto took the time to explain what Emilia had done with her time and the aftermath of the stuff in Priestella. The Emilia camp had done it, they had used the blood of the dragon and reversed the effects of the Authority of Lust and Gluttony. Subaru's smile couldn't have been wider. How proud he was of each and every one of them, he couldn't fully express. To reverse a tragedy so great, and for each and every one of them to play a part...the Emilia camp was having a shift in public opinions. Emilia was still seen negatively, that would never change, but people wanted her on the throne anyway, her camp being dominated by true heroes.
Garfiel Tinsel, the beast-warrior of immense strength and charm.
Otto Suwen, the man behind the scenes, orchestrating a master-stroke of pure genius, finding a way to safely begin rebuilding the Watergate city Priestella.
Ram, the oni maid who crushed a sin-archbishop of Gluttony in the Pleiades Watchtower and served as a key figure in the saving of Priestella.
Beatrice, the spirit who acted as the lifeline of the hero, ensuring the world knew of his safety…
And finally, the man himself, Natsuki Subaru. The half-elf's knight, the Saviour of Pleiades, Hero of Vollachia, the man who felled the great witch beasts and cut down more archbishops than any other man in history. He was a dominating political figure, a man of will and courage. He earned his respect at a huge disadvantage, but never once complained. His achievements were sage-like, and he was celebrated in the streets of the Lugnican capital.
Garfiel and Otto were proud of him, but Subaru couldn't wait to see the look on Garf's face when Subaru, who Garfiel admired with his entire being, could finally say just how proud he was of him.
The final page of the letter was written by Petra, short and sweet. It merely asked him to come home safely, and that he was missed dearly by everyone. Small stains littered the paper, a sign of tears, a sign which reminded Subaru to give her a head pat.
Subaru made sure to take a walk before reading the final letter, preparing himself to hear its words. He made sure to not overexcite himself, for the feelings of the writer had not once been stated in the previous letters, just her actions.
The envelope was completely blank, just as the other were, but Subaru instantly recognised the messy wax seal that stamped it closed.
''Purple, not quite pressed hard enough so the emblem in the centre is not very clear...oh, and she slightly drags down when she lifts it, so the wax is smudged down,'' Subaru mumbled with a nervous smile, ''definitely Emilia.''
Carefully cracking the seal, he opened the light brown envelope and withdrew the singular sheet of white paper inside.
It was folded twice, and on the back was written simply 'to my dearest Knight, Natsuki Subaru'.
The letter was scribed in black ink, beautifully written with precision and grace:
'To my Knight,
We have been separated for a number of months, and frankly, I have missed you more than anything else in this world. You were taken from me so suddenly and I was so cross, I just wanted my Subaru back, but I had to do my duty first.
When we helped the people in Priestilla, I couldn't help but wish you were there, by my side, for the loneliness I have felt through this predicament is just silly! We saved everyone we could, we made people happy, but I am just so selfish...I wanted you to see me do it, to say 'well done' and 'I love you' like you always would.
To receive your letter filled my heart with joy. I have had nobody for all these weeks, and to hear from you finally just made me so giddy. Oh Subaru, I just can't wait to see you again, everything has been so boring without you.
Hurry home, we have lots to catch up on, lots of...important...things to talk about. Lots and lots, so make haste!
I cannot wait to see you again, my dearest knight,
Stay safe on your travels,
Love, Emilia.'
Tears. Nothing comparable to before, these were different. This wasn't just relief, but pure and adulterated love Subaru felt. He gently placed the letter to one side, not wanting to accidentally damage it, before putting his head down and crying. They were okay, she was okay, he was okay.
After a moment, he lifted his head and looked at the back of the letter, gazing longingly at the carefully formed words, picturing her wonderful face as he did so. He gathered his letters and prepared to leave the next day, he had to see them.
The group were nearing their destination, the towers of the mansion peeking over the treeline.
''Rem, we should only be a few moments away now,'' Subaru called out to the girl behind him, turning around to check she was still actually there.
''O-Okay, I'm still fairly nervous though,'' the oni said timidly, clinging to the legs of the girl on her shoulders.
''Rem, they'll love you, I know they will,'' Subaru replied with a smile, before turning around and resuming his previous pace. Rem nodded, following the boy who had led the way for months. He trusted his word, surely she'd be fine.
The group were at the last bend in the road, the last before a long, straight path to the mansion gates. Subaru bit his tongue in anticipation, preparing himself to see something he hadn't in so long. As they rounded the bend, the full view of the mansion burst into view, its sheer magnificence still catching Subaru off guard despite the years he had spent as its resident. Rem was utterly perplexed, now realising Subaru wasn't exaggerating when he told her he lived in a huge manor.
Subaru was resisting the desperate urge to sprint down the drive to the gates, his gait frantic and rapid, his sheer excitement clear as day. Rem did her best to catch up to him, and as they eventually reached the mansion's gates, had caught up to his side, panting gently as she had basically run to keep up with the boy, her body still weak.
Subaru gave a brief nod to the smirking gatekeeper, who let them in without a word, obviously expecting the trio. The huge gates creaked open, and for the first time in months, he stepped onto the paved driveway of the mansion. He admired the lack of change, the hedgerows and gardens identical to the months prior, everything still excessive and grand as can be.
He paused to stretch, before turning and smiling at the anxious rem, her nerves showing and her discomfort clear. She was in an unfamiliar place, meeting people who knew a different 'Rem'. She was absolutely prepared for the worst, despite Subaru's reassurance, but she pushed herself forward, joining Subaru as he waltzed up to the magnificent oak doors.
He paused, reaching his hand out before hesitating briefly, then taking the golden knocker in his right hand.
With 3 loud bashes, he stepped back, hands crossed nervously in front of him, twiddling his thumbs.
Light footsteps were heard across the door, as well as gentle whispers. Subaru held his breath as the door spread open, revealing the sight he had been longing for.
He had made it.
A plethora of wide smiles greeted the trio, but before anyone had a chance to speak someone flew from the group, flying into the boy with incredible speeds, absorbing him in a crushing hug, one he had missed.
Sprawled across the ground, he looked up to see the grinning face of the most beautiful woman in the world, the one he loved with his entire soul, his reason for everything.
''E-Emilia-ta-'' Subaru tried to say, before something which he had prayed for cut him off.
A kiss, a hungry, desperate kiss. One of desire, one of love, one of longing. She stole his lips with such vigour that Subaru's mind basically melted, but he was all for it, their tongues intertwining, battling for dominance, not a care in the world. He was the only person that mattered, and Emilia couldn't hold herself back for even a moment.
Their kiss was long and passionate, Subaru wrapping his toned arms around the back of her head, pulling her in deeper. He needed her and was ever so glad she had taken the initiative here. They only paused for a short gasp of air, before swiftly resuming their fiery reunion. This was not the kiss of death, nor was it the kiss of life...this was a kiss of pure unadulterated love, one between a man and a woman, between two people who had truly realised what they were to one another. Words were not needed currently, and other people didn't matter one little bit.
But alas, all good things must come to an end, and a jovial ''Weeeeell then, thaaaaat was certainly unexpected,'' from the clown-like man emerging from the doorway served to break the newfound passion of the young pair.
Emilia wiped her mouth, before standing up, helping her Subaru to his feet now feeling bad that he may or may not have hit his head, pulling him into a true embrace. She was panting heavily, her gorgeous silver hair dishevelled, face redder than a tomato. But she was happy, and embarrassment was nothing compared to the pure happiness she felt standing next to the black-haired boy, who looked just as lovestruck as she did. She whispered in his red ear the words he had been desiring since the day he first saw her, the words which made his heart fall in love 200 times over again.
''Subaru, I love you, with all of my heart. We need to talk later, don't you dare forget.''
''E-Emilia-tan...I l-l-love you too,'' he replied, hugging her tighter into the flustered and overwhelmed embrace. His hard work had finally paid off. He was genuinely happy for the first time in many moons.
Hand in hand, they separated and faced Roswaal, Subaru grinning before saying simply:
''It's nice to be back.''