In the silent night of the full moon, a silver haired half elf is sitting on her bed with her blanket covering her tearful face. It has been a constant ritual she is having all these nights, waiting for her knight and saviour to arrive and say good night before she sleeps away her exhaustion. But this night is not one of those nights. After so long he proclaimed his love for her, he disappeared alongside his spirit.
She is longing for the comfort of the man that loved her, her knight. Every night he would come in here and give her warmth whenever she needs it. He would give motivation when she is nervous. Comfort when she is facing something she cannot overcome. And especially right now, something to lean onto when she doesn't know what to do.
It has been a few days since Subaru and his spirit had gone suddenly missing from their lives. The entire camp was devastated when they found out about this incident. At first, they decided to wait, it's not the first time Subaru had faced something that caused worry among the members of the camp. But they slowly but surely began to lose hope. It is as if their entire liveliness in this very camp stemmed from that one man they had called their friend, ally, strongest card, and most importantly, her saviour.
Her sobbing began to get louder, even though her body is instinctively trying to keep the moment as quiet as possible. "Where did she go wrong", are the only choices of words that are permanently placed inside her mind. What did she do to deserve this? Is it because of her incompetence at being there for him? Or is it because of her powerless self when facing something she cannot handle alone? She had never felt so useless before, no one in this camp had never felt this useless before.
They had no power over this, they cannot change the fact that the two most dynamic duo are in fact, missing. Even the all mighty Roswaal, the strongest magic user in this camp and realm, never felt this useless before, with him right now paying scout after scout, person after person, to search for him and his spirit, while shutting himself up in his own room, being something what her knight calls a "shut-in".
It had only been roughly two days. But, even within that short timeframe, the entire Emilia camp had been left devastated. All because of a man and his contracted loli drill-haired spirit had suddenly disappeared.
Between her sobs of anguish, worry, and despair, she is managing to string a few quiet words. Quiet enough that even the spirits around her that are trying to comfort her through this crisis cannot listen. Between her sobs, she opened her mouth, and uttered
Emilia: My knight….Where are you…
The silver haired half-elf Emilia then continued to cry, until her eyes could cry no more. To the world of dreams she goes, as her body falls tired and exhausted. Even in her slumber, she clinged onto hope that these nights would continue no more.
Flicking page after page, slamming book after book on the table of the library, the loli spirit is beginning to get more and more frustrated. The words that she read mean nothing to her, even though she knows what language it is from a glance, she overestimated her skill to read it. Beatrice, the girl who is getting more and more stressed out as she tries to read these books, immediately laid back on her chair screaming out her headache.
Beatrice: I gave up, I suppose! Subaru, you win, in fact! Teach me how to read this language!
She pouts and slammed her head on to the table, out of breath and out of motivation to continue. Subaru, who was reading his own book that he grabbed for a section of the school's library, quickly sprinted to his contracted spirit's aid. Flicking through the pages that Beatrice opened up, he suddenly let out a small laugh and patted her head.
Subaru: Beako, why did you pick up a book about snails?
He uttered those words between a good amount of chuckles, making her irritated whilst cherishing his headpats.
Beatrice: Well I didn't know, I suppose! The cover does not have any pictures of snails, in fact!
She huffed her chest and turned her adorable head to the left, outright ignoring Subaru who just chuckled at the thought of Beatrice reading a book she doesn't understand. He continued to flick through the pages of the other books, checking them out for anything useful. The language is fortunately one that Subaru understands, which is english, or Valean as those people called it. Book after book he continued to switch through, before stumbling upon an interesting book that titled it self as
Subaru: Complete History of Remnant. Huh, that's surprisingly easy to find.
He sat down and opened the cover of the book to reveal its contents. Beatrice, who was still ignoring him, apparently took interest in it and decided to scoot her way onto him and sat on his lap. Beatrice, even though still cannot read the language Subaru is reading, still decided to check it out herself.
Subaru: First Chapter, Theories of the Past and The Origin of Dust….
Subaru immediately delved deep into concentration as he began to turn the page over towards the first paragraph, with Beatrice following suite. He only mumbled through a few words, again with Beatrice following suite and copying his acts as they both read the book themselves.
Theories about the origin of dust and the world as a whole, had said to be from the first humans created by the world, who had access to the powers that are held within it before somehow going extinct themselves. No possible reason could say what caused it, but somehow, the second race of humanity evolved all the same through the same process that the first had gone through, with the faunus being a deviant in their evolution that eventually became its own race. Subaru reconfirmed those theories to the ones he heard about in history class with Professor Oobleck, who had discussed this very theory, and then some. He thought about how one species evolved the exact same way its predecessor did. Perhaps the first race of humanity was akin to Neanderthals, who went extinct and became the dust they are now, as remnants of their race, with the second race being the Homo Sapiens who took over. But after some thought was put into it, the faunus then became a hurdle to his own crudely put theory in his mind.
There were several theories to their creation as well, but it would be impossible for a species that looked like humans to have animal-like features from other species, with the monkey faunus being an exception. Even the history book he is reading has some contradictions within its own contents. It would also be impossible for the Faunus to evolve into its own race. With the abundance of similarities that they have with the human race, it was far more likely for the faunus to fall under the subspecies category instead. Even so, he cannot think of any ways that the Faunus would develop the traits they have right now without artificial interference, subspecies or not.
Meaning it left him with two possible options: One, that a god or multiple gods once had existed in this world, and they had left the effects onto the world before they left. Or two, that dust had something to do with it. Even with those possible solutions, it left him with an obvious conclusion that he can choose to pick without choosing one of the two answers that popped into his mind.
Subaru: This is utterly confusing for a history book.
Beatrice: Betty agrees, I suppose.
Both of them breathed out a tired sigh as they laid back on their chair, both of their eyes closed and tired. The actual history part of what they are researching should be less of a priority when it was this complex and confusing.
But before they can rest for even a second however, the sound of an opening door soon begins to fill the library, someone is walking in. Subaru opened his baggy eyes and began to look towards the source. A man that he was all too familiar with, even though he only knew him for a few days, has entered the library. Carrying his cane alongside a warm mug of coffee, the headmaster of the academy Ozpin entered their vicinity alongside another man he did not know.
This one is dressed in a white, and what seems to be of a militaristic style, suit. He looks like he is in his early 40s, much like Ozpin, though the headmaster himself looks pretty young for his age. If he were to guess, the new one would be a general of sorts, an officer at least. He has an aura of authority surrounding him, and one would be foolish to disobey his commands.
Subaru jokingly speculated inside his mind, the thought of Ozpin wanting to arrest him by bringing a general here is a thought that would bring out a few chuckles out of him, but he was too tired to do so. So instead, he waited and saw what they had at their disposal.
Ozpin: Good evening Mr. Natsuki, may I ask a question for a moment before we go into the topic at hand?
Subaru looked at him and only nodded, he is too tired right now to answer.
Ozpin: Good! May I ask why are you and your Beatrice in here this late?
Subaru sighed, that would be an obvious question coming from anyone, not just him.
Subaru: Researching stuff, this history book is utterly confusing when its main job is to summarize everything into one simple book to read.
Subaru brought up the book at the table onto his hand, so Ozpin can see. The man nodded and smiled.
Ozpin: Alright then, I will allow you to borrow that one, even though you don't have a library card registered yet. I do agree some of them can be confusing indeed.
Subaru: Thanks. But could you please go back to this "topic at hand"? Also who's that guy?
Ozpin laughed a little, with the man beside him looking a little irritated at how impolite Subaru was being. He sure wanted to scold him, but after seeing the drill-haired child sleeping on his lap, he managed to hold back his anger, for now.
Ozpin looked at the man beside him and then back focusing unto the nasty eyes boy in front of him. He then continued.
Ozpin: Why of course, I want to introduce you to this lovely man beside me here, James Ironwood, general of the Atlesian Military and headmaster of Atlas Academy.
The man only held a firm nod unto him, Subaru was right, he is a general. But he was surprised at the fact that he is also a headmaster too. The man must be busy with two important jobs like that, with how important academies like Beacon and that Atlas one as well. He shouldn't anger him if he were to talk to him privately.
Subaru: Nice to meet you, General Ironwood, sir. Subaru Natsuki, a subsequently new student brought in by Oz-chi here. And this little one is Beatrice, I act as her guardian.
He gestured towards his loli spirit, who in her sleep, began to adjust herself a little to the side so she could snuggle further into his chest. He brought out a genuine smile as he stared at her cute position she is using right now.
Ironwood: I see. Pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Natsuki. I can see that you are experienced in battle as well? Or I assume, you've encountered several near death instances?
Subaru widened his tired eyes, how did he know that? Perhaps he is like Wilhelm who can read people well? In a frantic panic, he attempted to reason, but was cut off by Ironwood who let out a small laugh.
Ironwood: It was only speculation, no need to panic. Although from your reaction my guess is somewhat true, correct?
Subaru: What do you mean by somewhat!? It's completely true!
Ironwood lets out a laugh again.
Ironwood: I understand, you can calm yourself down now. At least I can respect you as a fellow man like me.
Subaru lets out a sigh before being interjected by Ozpin, who was observing the banter.
Ozpin: Now, how about we proceed into the main topic?
Subaru: With how eager you are to bring out this topic and how tired am I? Yes! Please be quick!
Ozpin: I would like to bring you into our circle, if you want me to be direct and quick with this.
Subaru began to perk up, circle? "Like a super secret faction of some kind?" He thought.
Ironwood: And there is a reason for that as well, Ozpin sees potential in you to bring us benefit, and we also want for you to benefit as well. From what I can see and judge, you need allies, and we'll help you when you need it. Whi-
Subaru: Wait a minute! Just a moment, circle? Like a secret faction? Who even are the members here!?
Ozpin: Yes, Mr. Natsuki, a secret faction, and an important one at that. As for the members, Me, Glynda, James here, and one other member who is currently on a mission right now. May I also ask why you look nervous?
Subaru: Because I have experience of being a part of some kind of plan that involves me as a pawn, that's why!
Both of them had a shock on their faces, with Ozpin being much more subtle in revealing it. He attempted to ask again
Ozpin: What do you mean by that?
Subaru: Do I need to tell you?
Ironwood: You must, not need. Who told you this?
Subaru: You don't understand! No one told me this! And I don't want this! I have been part of a pawn before and it was not a pleasant experience, after that I never trust anyone who acts like him, no matter the appearance or how seemingly trustworthy they are!
Ozpin: And who is he?
Subaru: No need to reveal that, even speaking his name makes me flinch in disgust! But the point is, no matter how direct or subtle you are, I will never join you if I don't see any good in it. No matter how soon or late it is, I will never be used as a pawn in your game, Ozpin.
Ozpin froze, no emotion showing on his face. From what he knew, Subaru knows what he is trying to do, even if secretly. He is aware, too aware. Ironwood only stayed in shock, not speaking nor answering. From what he sees, there's no way for him to bring the boy into his fold. But he is too useful, at least he should agree on being an associate.
For Subaru, this was yet another confirmation that he cannot trust anyone remotely similar to Roswaal's personality, unless he needs it. From what he sees, there's no reason in joining this man. There's no threat and objective he cares about. But still, he was being too direct in his rejection, and was reckless enough to not listen to their reason for inviting him here. But then again, does he really want to join? All he cares about now is trying to go home and be with his Beako, his only last pillar of support from his eventual fall to the state that he despises.
For a moment all of them froze, no speaking or rambling, the silence of the library on the night of the full shattered moon filling in the atmosphere. No one dares to speak, except one. Beatrice listened to it all, and decided to wake up and voiced her opinion on this. Still in her curled up position, she spoke up towards the two men for his contractor
Beatrice: You two should all go away, I suppose. No one can have Betty's Subaru with the exception of Betty and himself, in fact. Go away, shoo shoo.
She gestured her small arms towards both of them as she curled further into her fake slumber upon his lap. Subaru head patting her as a reward for speaking for him was a worth it one.
Within the next moment, the two men came to be known and potentially despised as Ozpin and James Ironwood, left the library. Subaru can only sit tiredly, but after a few moments, he too stood up and left for his makeshift futon with Beatrice curled onto him like the small child she is.
His views on Ozpin and that new guy changed drastically from respect, to spite. He hated Ozpin, deeply, with a passion that made him even flinch at the mere mention of his name similar to that clown. For Ironwood, although he only knew him just now he still disliked him, somewhat.
Though due to him being known by him as a busy man, made Subaru somewhat respect the general, he can see him as stern and dutiful. He must have known what he had gotten himself into. If Subaru listened to them for longer, which he loathed, he might agree with his views as well. But alas what happened had happened, what he needed now is not a faction to join, but rest.
He is tired, homesick, and hateful for this place. He never wanted this to happen, he just wanted to stay with Emilia and the others, he wanted to struggle for them, not whatever that secret faction was. But this was a burden he must carry, a burden of a knight.
Thus the eventful night had ceased its activity, for he needed rest, and a small talk with his spirit. He must need it.