Author's note: After a whole month, I finally finished this chapter. This is the final chapter so it's pretty long. Maybe I should've considered separating it into multiple chapters but if I'm going to be honest, I wanted a lemon in the chapter which is at the very end so it's all in one chapter. Sue me
Emilia was walking out with Subaru but slowed down as she saw a yellow-haired boy waiting outside. Garfiel was sitting on the stairs in front of the entrance and upon hearing footsteps, turned his head back.
"That was quick. Did Princess Emilia-sama pass the tri-…Boss?!"
Garfiel was surprised to see however that Subaru was unconscious and immediately rushed towards them as Subaru was put on the floor so that Garfiel could examine him. Subaru seemed to be fine physically but his face was in slight discomfort, as if he was having a bad nightmare.
'Boss?' Meanwhile, Emilia was confused on the sudden change of address. She had thought that the relationship between Subaru and Garfiel was somewhat unfriendly and rough so to see Garfiel suddenly treating Subaru with respect surprised her. Before she could think further, Garfiel shouted at her.
"Emilia-sama! What's goin' on?! Why is Boss like this?!"
"I…"
Seeing that Emilia wasn't going to explain, Garfiel could only grit his teeth as Subaru didn't seem to be showing any signs of waking up. He knew firsthand that Subaru wouldn't let himself look weak in front of Emilia; he had personally seen his guts and zeal when it came to supporting Emilia.
After Garfiel shook off Otto, he had immediately rushed towards the tomb and found Subaru waiting for him. Not wanting to interrupt Emilia while she was taking the trial, Subaru had decided to confront Garfiel, leaving Emilia alone in the trial temporarily, and they had a clash of fists and ideals. Even after being beaten black and blue, Subaru held strong and helped Garfiel overcome his fear of the outside world, obtaining Garfiel's respect and admiration.
So, what the hell happened to the boss? Upon seeing Emilia's expression of guilt, he realized that Subaru's current condition was somehow tied to Emilia and that something wrong had happened.
"Emilia-sama, you should already know that the boss holds ya in high regards and would do anything for ya. However, if you forced him to do something that ain't right, then I won't just be standin' around quietly. So, I wanna hear it directly from your mouth. How do ya feel about the boss?"
"My feelings… about Subaru-kun, you say..."
How was she supposed to answer that when she didn't know the answer herself? Emilia was conflicted of how she felt about Subaru.
During her attempted tryst with Subaru, she felt something she never felt before. It was as if there was another part of herself whispering to take what she wanted, to make sure that he would never leave her, to make it so that he belonged to only her. In the back of her mind, she knew what she was doing was wrong but when the thought of Subaru leaving her came to her head, she found herself already acting.
However, when he suddenly passed out in front of her, she immediately snapped back to reality and was immediately filled with guilt. Seeing Subaru's face in pain only increased it. She knew that it was her fault; she had passed some sort of forbidden line though what it specifically was, she couldn't remember.
Realizing that Garfiel was still waiting for an answer, Emilia tightened her fists as she could only think of one thing to say. Emilia could already feel her cheeks blushing immensely.
"I love Subaru-kun."
The dam burst as she found herself speaking without realizing it.
"I love him! I love him! No matter what anybody says, I love him! I love him just as much as she does, no, even more than she does! I won't lose to her! I want him by my side, forever and ever! I love him! I love him!"
"Ok, ok, Princess! I'm sorry for doubtin'! Just calm down!" Garfiel was caught off guard by Emilia's passionate answer as she continued to state her love for him.
Was her love out of obsession or was it out of care? Were the whispers in her head her true self or were they just passing thoughts? Did she want to be spoiled by him or did she want to stand together by his side? Whichever one was her true feelings, she wanted Subaru to stay by her side.
"Oya, that's quite the confession you made, Emilia-sama."
Emilia and Garfiel immediately turned their heads to see Roswaal walking towards them with a smile on his face. Roswaal was fully dressed with his makeup on as he walked up the stairs towards them. Emilia put her guard up immediately.
Roswaal was supposed to be injured and resting so to see him here in the middle of the night, she instinctively felt he had no good intentions. He had a dark glint in his eyes, as if he was determined to do what he planned to do, no matter the cost.
"You clown, what the hell are ya doin' here?" Garfiel gave a light growl but Roswaal payed him no attention as his eyes drifted towards Subaru, lying on the ground, before looking at Emilia.
"Congratulations, Emilia-sama. You far succeeded my expectations that I truly have nothing but praise for you. I surely expected that you would break down and run away, considering how frail and feeble your mentality is."
"…so that's how you viewed me, Roswaal? It hurts that you thought of me like that the whole time."
"Was what I said wrong? If it was not for Subaru-kun over there, I'm sure that you would not be the person you are right now. In fact, it's because of him things have turned out to be like this."
Roswaal narrowed his eyes as Emilia sensed a deep hatred being directed towards Subaru and immediately raised a hand over him protectively. Roswaal gave a slight sneer at her response as he put out his hand.
"Hand over Subaru-kun to me."
"What do you plan on doing with Subaru-kun?"
"I have no reason to explain that to you."
"Then, no."
Upon hearing Emilia's rejection, Roswaal's frustration grew more and more. Subaru was working faster than he had expected. Subaru had already helped Garfiel and Emilia to overcome their past and there was that man, Otto, who threw a wrench in his plans.
At this rate, he would lose the bet and be forced to support Subaru. To prevent this, he quickly decided to restrain Subaru and prevent Emilia from passing all the trials. It was even better that he was unconscious at the moment.
He won't lose to some idealistic man who trivialized his 400 years of his planning, to the man who tainted his memories of his teacher. He'll definitely make Natsuki Subaru taste despair with his own hands.
Garfiel had already picked up Subaru and was preparing to leave. Subaru had already informed him beforehand that there were assassins about to attack the mansion and that he was planning to leave as soon as Emilia was done with the first trial, which was why Garfiel was waiting outside in the first place.
Seeing Garfiel's intention, fire sprouted from Roswaal's palms as a blazing fireball went into Subaru's direction, only to be blocked by ice crystal wall from Emilia's retaliation.
"I won't let you do as you please, Roswaal."
"You don't have that power, Emilia-sama."
The greatest magician and the spirit user clashed, causing explosions to ring throughout the Sanctuary. Amidst the battle however, the sky had covertly become slightly grey as cold air breezed throughout the Sanctuary.
Subaru and Echidna were sitting at the tea table, both of them sipping tea with uncanny smiles. Subaru was the first to put down his cup.
"So, that's how it is."
"Indeed, that's how it is."
"Well, it couldn't be helped- as if I would say that!"
Subaru yelled at Echidna, who turned her head away in embarrassment. Admittedly, she was slightly guilty about what happened but who could blame her? That half-elf was the one being so provocative in front of a witch like her. She felt that she was pretty justified in her reaction but Subaru didn't seem to think so though.
"What do you mean, you thought it was a good idea to show Emilia that!"
"Yes, yes, I'm sorry about that. I wasn't expecting her feelings to remain even though I erased her memories. How was I supposed to know that? Also, I gave you the third trial as a result so if we look at the bright side, the Sanctuary is now free thanks to my decision! Shouldn't you be thanking me instead?"
"Yeah, I passed the third trial but you weren't even thinking about that! You just gave me the third trial because you were jealous of how she was acting when you were the one who made her that way! How sad is that?!"
"It's presumptuous to think that I'm that narrow-minded to use something as esteemed as a trial, a test where one confronts oneself and essential for self-discovery, for such a thing like personal emotions. Even I have some dignity as a witch."
Echidna put her hands on her chest, as if to emphasize her statement and deny his accusation but Subaru was pretty sure what he said was exactly the case. However, he now knew that Echidna was just insecure about his relationship with Emilia and they had already resolved that issue. Besides, he was thankful that Echidna had pulled him out of that dubious situation with Emilia. But seriously, with a trial?
"Was my lap pillow not enough as compensation? I'm pretty confident that my lap pillows are one of the best out there. Wasn't it nice? To lay down with a beautiful maiden caressing your face while serving you tea? If you want, we can do that again. Right now, even, if you feel that the previous one wasn't enough for you."
Echidna patted her laps invitingly, causing Subaru to gulp as he recalled how comfortable Echidna's lap pillow was. He immediately repressed the urge to rest his head on her soft thighs and ignored the want of her hands to go gently through his hair. He stood firm, knowing that if he gave in, he would probably stay here longer than he wanted to.
"A shame." Echidna sighed, as if disappointed but Subaru knew better than to indulge.
"There's also the issue of Beatrice."
"Ah, her." Echidna smiled at the thought of her "daughter." Echidna had already explained the issue of the blank book to Subaru.
Both Roswaal and Beatrice had received the Tome of Wisdom and while Roswaal's had the future written for him, Beatrice's was completely blank. Echidna wasn't playing favorites or anything when she did this. She… just wanted to test something.
Roswaal who only could walk upon the future laid out before him and didn't fight against his own fate.
Beatrice who only could stand still when the future was blank and couldn't progress her own fate.
Even though both of them had enough power to carve out their own paths, they pointlessly limited themselves and their potentials. They didn't have the strength to forge their own destiny when they could achieve something so much greater if they weren't so dependent on the Tome of Wisdom. Unlike Natsuki Subaru who struggled and did everything in his power to obtain the future he desired, Roswaal and Beatrice resigned themselves to their fate.
Ah, she was only reminded again that Natsuki Subaru truly was someone she loved.
"I don't agree with everything that you did, even if you had good intentions for Beatrice. I hope you don't mind but I'll be taking her away from that library." Subaru revealed his intentions as Echidna nodded to him.
"Do as you wish. If she actually makes her decision to leave with you, it would please me greatly to see that she grown just a bit from her old self. Also, with the third trial has been cleared, the barrier surrounding the Sanctuary will disappear. Just leave that matter to me."
"In that case, I'm ready to go back." Subaru planned to head to the mansion to deal with the assassins' attack while evacuating the people from the Sanctuary. Little did he know that Garfiel and Otto was already bringing him to the mansion at that point, the Sanctuary already a distance away.
"Very well, have a safe trip."
Subaru closed his eyes, waiting to be sent back but after waiting a few moments, realized that he was still in the Castle of Dreams.
"…"
Subaru looked around, seeing that the situation was still the same, closed his eyes again and once again, tried to will himself to exit but it was to no avail.
"Is there something wrong?" Echidna was smiling pleasantly at him, finding amusement at his situation much to his annoyance.
"Don't play around with me. Send me back or at least tell me how to."
"Hmmm, I seem to have forgotten how to."
"Oi." Subaru realized the gravity of his situation. If Echidna really wanted to, he would be trapped in her world forever and there would be nothing he could do about it. Granted, time was still in the outside world but it was a scary thought when he actually thought about it.
"Maybe if you hug me, I may be able to remember something." Echidna lifted out her arms as Subaru could only drop his jaw. Was she really doing this?
"…only a hug though." Subaru went forward and reaching out, he wrapped his arms around her. Echidna's body was soft as he found his body relaxing under her touch.
"Natsuki Subaru." Subaru felt Echidna's breath on his ear as she held him tighter. Subaru braced himself as her sensual voice sent shivers down his spine. Her touch was alighting his body with fire, promising his body euphoric pleasure if he submitted. If she pushed him a bit more, he didn't think he would be able to resist. Despite his expectations however, he was surprised by her next words.
"Thank you."
Subaru could feel the intricate affection behind those words. Although he didn't know what she was thankful for, the feelings behind those words were not just simple gratitude.
Echidna was much obliged to Subaru as she kept him in her embrace. He didn't realize how much it meant to Echidna that he didn't hate her despite seeing the future.
In the past, she was only sought for her knowledge yet ostracized for being a mad witch. Nobody had ever attempted to get close to her after seeing that side of her. Everybody abandoned her, calling her a monster. Only the witches, who were also called crazy in their own rights, accompanied her.
It was beyond her dreams to be treated as a maiden, as she frequently called herself. It was beyond her dreams to fall in love. Yet, she met a man who treated her as such. Natsuki Subaru took her hand, breaking the curse of loneliness she experienced for 400 years and more.
He didn't know that as much as she saved him, he had also saved her.
Letting him go from the hug, Echidna quickly turned around so that he couldn't see her face as a door appeared at a distance next to Subaru.
"Just exit that door and you'll find yourself outside. Don't forget your promise of meeting me every morning. Always remember that no matter how cruel the world may be to you, my world will always keep you safe."
Seeing the exit, Subaru walked to the door as it opened before him. As he was leaving, he gave one last look to Echidna.
"I should be the one thanking you, Echidna."
Leaving those words, Subaru went through the door with a smile.
…
Later, Subaru was embarrassed when he realized that Echidna was still there with him due to the black crystal and wondered why they acted as if they weren't going to see each other for a long time…well, at least he got a hug out of it.
"My body is pretty soft, isn't it?"
Subaru coughed as Echidna's lighthearted voice resounded in his head.
"Natsuki-san, is there something wrong?"
"No, it's nothing. Don't mind me."
"Did you like it? The way my breasts pressed against your chest and my arms around your body? Did it arouse you? Ne, tell me how you felt. Well, actually you don't need to. After all, it's not like you can hide anything from me. Everything from how indulgent to how hard you were down there…"
Subaru could only be forced to silently listen to Echidna's teasing throughout the rest of the ride as Otto could only wonder why Subaru was blushing and coughing frequently.
Subaru was outside the mansion with Beatrice as the mansion was on fire. He had asked Beatrice to help her after realizing that it wasn't her who needed his help but him who needed hers and after much effort and sincerity, she took his hand. He was naturally very happy but he found himself in a complicated situation.
"Form a contract with me, I suppose."
"A contract?!"
"What? Didn't you ask Betty for help, I suppose?"
"Well, yes but to do a contract…"
"Betty will become Subaru's exclusive contract spirit and will do her best to protect you! Betty will be the best spirit for Subaru! Subaru should be honored, I suppose."
"Ummm, I would love to be in a contract with you but the process of forming the contract is somewhat… complicated, right?"
Subaru immediately thought back to when he formed the contract with Echidna. To do that with Beatrice was something that went against his consciousness. For god's sake, she was a loli.
On the other hand, this response only caused confusion for Beatrice. "What are you talking about? Just hold hands with Betty and Betty will form the contract."
"Eh? That's it?"
"? What did you expect, I suppose?"
"…just to confirm, holding hands is all that's needed to form a contract?"
"As long as a connection is established and both parties are in agreement, the requirements to form a contract is fulfilled, I suppose."
"…that damn witch!"
Subaru's shout surprised Beatrice as Subaru realized that he got tricked by Echidna. Technically, she didn't lie but she made it sound as if having sex was the only way to form the contract!
"I see. So, would you rather have just held hands to form the contract?"
"I didn't say that."
"I figured. I look fondly at our first time as well."
Echidna smiled with confidence as Subaru got himself together to pay attention to Beatrice. Beatrice was explaining the conditions of her contract to Subaru as the conditions were related to how Beatrice was an Artificial Spirit and how she couldn't gather mana properly. However, there was one condition which Subaru had a question.
"I can't make contracts with other spirits?"
"Yes, since Betty will be obtaining my mana from you, I suppose."
Subaru furrowed his eyebrows as he was already in a contract with Echidna. "Beako, there's a slight proble-"
"It's fine. I'm not a spirit and have no need for your mana reserves so there will be no conflict."
"-actually, forget what I said. Let's do the contract." Subaru's retraction however only gained Beatrice's suspicion.
"Does Subaru have a contract already?"
"Uh, is that a problem?"
"Which unknown spirit dares try to contest Betty? Betty will show them their place, I suppose!"
Confirming that there was another person indeed in a contract with him, Beatrice scoffed. While it was possible for a person to have multiple contracts, it left a sour taste in Beatrice that she wouldn't be Subaru's first contract.
"It's fine! My contractor just told me that they'll allow it!" Subaru's appeasing only triggered Beatrice further.
"'Allow it,' they say? Betty was created by Mother, the greatest magic user? Who does this spirit think they are?! Betty will teach that spirit a lesson, I suppose!"
"No, I don't think that's a good idea…" Subaru wondered how would Beatrice react if he told her that she was insulting "Mother"?
Despite Subaru's warning, Beatrice held Subaru's hand as she began trying to probe Subaru's body with her yin magic to find the "spirit". Subaru could feel Beatrice's magic flowing through his body as it touched upon his soul somewhat uncomfortably.
"Stupid spirit! Stupid spirit! Betty will force you to break the contract, you imbecile! How dare you make the contract before Betty, I suppose!"
"I see. You wish that I break the contract with him?"
Subaru felt shivers go down his spine upon hearing Echidna's cold voice, instantly having a bad premonition. His fears were only confirmed as he suddenly felt his soul rumble violently and heard a cry of pain from Beatrice as she instantly pulled back her hand, interrupting the contract process.
"Beatrice! Are you alright?!"
Beatrice was holding her hand in pain, forming tears of frustration. That wasn't an ordinary spirit, if it could even be called that. What kind of entity did Subaru get into contract with? Her hand was still shivering, not in pain but in fear as she recalled the power that repelled her.
"Echidna, did you really have to go that far?"
"That was me holding back. I won't allow anybody, even my own daughter, to infringe on your soul without my permission. However, that's all I can do for you in regards to protection. So, it's important to form the contract with Beatrice."
"You didn't really help with that though." Subaru sighed as he sat next to Beatrice as her eyes demanded to explain to him what just happened. Time was already tight as it seemed that Roswaal was starting his plan based off of Garfiel's explanation.
He had to hurry.
"Emilia-sama, don't you think that's enough?"
"I… can still… fight…"
Emilia was breathing heavily as Roswaal had orbs of magic floating in his hand. While Emilia was strong by her own rights, it was lacking compared to the strongest magician. Roswaal sneered as he found Emilia's efforts in vain.
"Emilia-sama, it's already too late. Snow has already fallen on the Sanctuary which will bring forth a great disaster."
"Even so, I can still do my best. Subaru-kun also will."
Snow whirled around as it danced along the frigid air. The atmosphere was cold yet it did nothing to cool down the anger that rose in Roswaal when Subaru came to mind. The amount of despair he experienced after his previous conversation with Subaru was boundless.
In his despair, he found himself wanting revenge on the person who took everything away from him. What better way to do it than to break the very person he wants to protect?
"Subaru-kun, huh? Emilia-sama, do you know why I hate Natsuki Subaru-kun so much?"
"Is it because he didn't say thank you after you did something for him?"
"…both him and I are similar in the fact that our purpose is for the person we love, even to the point of madness. However, he is foolish to the point where he believes that he can obtain everything, yet by doing so, he can obtain nothing! Yet, why? Why did she abandon me? Why did she choose him over me, who would do anything for her? She was the only thing I needed yet he took even that away from me!"
"Stop talking about useless things! Just tell me what you want to say!"
Roswaal paused as he looked at Emilia and smiled with malice.
"Subaru-kun doesn't love you but someone else."
Roswaal's words triggered something inside Emilia as she felt goosebumps rush through her body. She immediately repressed the jealousy that threatened to come out as she denied Roswaal's statement.
"You're wrong!" Emilia's answer only encouraged Roswaal as he grinned.
"But I'm not! I know specifically because the person he loves now is the one that abandoned me! Haven't you thought about it also? Haven't you questioned whether or not he really loves you?" Roswaal laughed as Emilia continued to denied him.
"You're lying! I never thought about that!"
"I heard your confession, Emilia-sama! You love him more that she does? You won't lose to her? Who is she?"
"I don't…" Emilia didn't know what to say as Roswaal's words were digging into her, planting seeds of confusion.
Roswaal changed his tone of voice as he switched from an aggressive voice to a soft voice, but not lacking in malice.
"I sympathize with you, Emilia-sama. You already knew in your heart, didn't you? That Subaru's love didn't lie with you."
"You…have no proof-"
"Echidna."
Something snapped inside Emilia upon hearing that name. She immediately held her head in pain as it began to feel as if it was going to split in half. Memories that she couldn't remember began to fill her head once again. Everything the white-haired witch told her began to come back to her.
"That's right, Emilia-sama. Subaru-kun doesn't love you. He doesn't care about you at all but only her."
"But he… promised me… that he would be by my side…"
"Then why isn't he with you right now? Didn't he abandon you in order to run away from this disaster?"
"No…" Emilia's voice was much weaker than before however compared from her initial denial.
"Yes. It's already begun."
Roswaal could already see the white rabbits with red eyes swarming around them. He instantly identified them as the Great Rabbit and realized that the grand spell was as a means to attract them, the mana in the snow being the lure.
"You and I will die in this place, both abandoned in this snow. Die, Emilia-sama, realizing that your love will never come to fruit." Roswaal closed his eyes, resigning himself to his fate as the Great Rabbit began to advance.
Emilia didn't take note of it however as she looked down. She was already in her own world as the whispers of jealousy were back, bringing out all the ugly thoughts that she tried to get rid of. They continued to whisper sweet temptations as miasma began to soon emit from her.
She loved Subaru a lot. She needed him. She was weak without him. She needed to try her best for him. She needed to prove her love. She needed to be a good girl. She needed Subaru to love her. She needed to love Subaru.
She found the darkness wrapping around her from the ground up and she found herself giving in, allowing it to take hold of her. Her consciousness was fading away as an unknown one began to take its place.
"Su…ba…ru…" That was the last thing she remembered before her consciousness and body was lost to the engulfing darkness.
"I love you."
The cocoon of darkness exploded with witch's miasma as it enveloped the entire Sanctuary, overflowing the entire ground including the rabbits. Innumerable amount of hands emerged from the cocoon of darkness from where Emilia once stood as each hand grabbed a rabbit and held them into the air.
Great Rabbit had the ability to multiply infinitely as long as one was left. However, what would happen if all of them were killed at once? It was an impossible endeavor by normal people yet Roswaal could only watch in disbelief at the sight of hundreds of rabbits in the air, all of them being gathered into the air.
The cocoon sprouted to reveal Emilia in a different attire. She was in a purple-black dress with a dark veil over her face. Shadows flickered around her as her hand raised into the air, wide-open.
She clenched her fist as the hands of darkness reacted to her, crushing the rabbits at the same time. Blood began to pour on the land as it fell into the darkness.
The silver-haired girl began to wander, ignoring Roswaal as he realized that he had unleashed a monster onto the Sanctuary. He fell to his knees in defeat and fear as he helplessly watched the happening events.
The girl kept speaking the same words over and over again as she began to search for the man she loved.
"I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you."
Subaru and Beatrice were holding each other's hands as they flew towards the Sanctuary. Subaru had explained the situation to Beatrice about the Great Rabbit to which she said, "Hmph, such an opponent can be easily defeated with Betty, I suppose." Subaru could only hope that Beatrice wasn't lying as he personally experienced the terror of those animals.
"Do not worry. Beatrice is capable enough to handle the Great Rabbit by herself." Echidna reassured Subaru but Subaru couldn't help but feel anxious as they continually got closer to the Sanctuary. Everything seemed fine and going into place so why did he have a bad feeling?
The Sanctuary was beginning to come into sight as Subaru realized that the snow had already begun to fall. At this pace…
"Beatrice!"
"You don't need to rush me, I suppose!"
Beatrice began to hurry as they soon arrived at the Sanctuary. However, the sight that awaited them was beyond expectations. The Sanctuary was snowing heavily but there was darkness and shadows coating the ground, as it twirled and swerved.
"What the hell happened here?!" Subaru could only wonder what happened. He didn't see any of the rabbits as Beatrice looked around, searching the area.
"Come with me." Beatrice grabbed Subaru by the collar as she dragged him towards who knows where as Subaru screamed at the sudden pull.
Beatrice continued to pull while weaving through the forest and stopped when reaching her destination. Subaru realized that there were 3 people as he realized who they were instantly.
"Barusu, you're late." Ram clicked her tongue as Ryuzu gave a nod in his direction. "Young Su, you came."
Subaru looked at the third person who was sitting against the tree, head hanging as his eyes were devoid of any emotion. Roswaal didn't seem to acknowledge his presence as his expression was of a dead man.
"…" Beatrice stared at Ryuzu for a bit before turning her head, not wanting to remind herself what happened on that day. Subaru looked at all three of them and took a deep breath, calming himself.
"So? What happened?"
Ram and Ryuzu looked at each other before nodding and beginning their explanation. Ryuzu had realized that the barrier had been taken down so she and the clones began to evacuate the villagers and the refugees from the Sanctuary in order to evade the Great Rabbit attack. When asked by Subaru how she knew the barrier was down, Ryuzu stated that she was "informed by my creator." Echidna confirmed to have taken matters into her own hands after Subaru exited the tea party much to the relief of Subaru.
Ram on the other hand, was observing Roswaal and Emilia's battle from a distance and while she couldn't hear everything, she saw everything that happened including Emilia's transformation. Once she saw her leave, she immediately rushed forward and secured Roswaal as she brought him to a safer place and coincidentally met up with Ryuzu, thus bringing them here.
"Okay, I got the gist of the situation." Subaru closed his eyes as he took a deep breath in and out. Before anything else, there was one thing that he had to do.
"Let me beat the shit out of Roswaal!"
Subaru rushed forward but not before a gale of wind lashing out, causing him to be pushed back on the ground. Ram had her arms out, not allowing Subaru to harm Roswaal much to his dismay.
"Ram! Get out of the way! I won't be satisfied if I don't land a clean hit on that bastard's face! What he did to Emilia is unforgiveable!"
"Barusu, calm yourself down. Are you so blind that you can't see our current predicament? Now is not the time to vent your anger on Roswaal-sama."
"But! -"
"That girl is right. You have no time to waste on Roswaal. She's here."
As if on Echidna's cue, trees began to fall over, causing the ground to rumble as the group became alert. In the distance, a girl could be seen walking towards them.
"Dammit!" Subaru yelled. He needed to think fast. What should he do? The Great Rabbit seemed to have been taken care of but in its stead was a greater problem. If Emilia turned into the person that he was thinking of, then…
"Everybody else, run."
"Young Su, what about you?
"Her attention is completely on me right now. If I distract her, you guys can possibly get away."
"Barusu, don't play the hero. Even you cannot-"
"I don't plan on dying. I got this far already, I'm not planning on losing it all. Besides, I got Beatrice with me."
Subaru smiled as Beatrice stood next to him. Ram and Ryuzu gave one last look to him before nodding as Ram picked up Roswaal as they evacuated. Ram trusted that Subaru would be able to handle it. Even if he was questionable at times, he was a man who carried out his word.
Confirming that they left, Subaru looked at Emilia, no, the witch that was in front of them.
"…Satella, is that you?" Subaru already seen Satella during Echidna's tea party and surprisingly, he was thankful for her words back then as it was the initial point for his change. Even though it was a short interaction, he truly felt her caring love for him through those words even though he may not have understood everything.
"I love you. I love you. I love you." That was the only response she gave him though. That caring love that he experienced was nowhere to be seen as the words were only filled with possessiveness. Subaru sighed as it seemed that this wouldn't be able to resolved peacefully.
"You should know this but there's no way you can defeat her even with Beatrice's help."
"…" Subaru stayed silent at Echidna's words. He knew already knew that. Maybe if it was his old self, he would have considered this worldline as a failed one and reset. But, he didn't want to give up right away. Nobody died yet. It wasn't the worst-case scenario. Even if there was only a 1% chance of salvaging this situation, he would struggle to do it.
"I'm going to save Emilia. I promised to be by her side."
"You really do care about that half-elf, though I guess that goes without saying. It really does make me jealous."
"Do you have a plan? I'm sure you're not just telling me this just because you want small talk at a time like this."
Echidna smiled as she explained her plan to him and hearing it, Subaru widened his eyes.
"Is that true?"
"Of course. Just make sure you don't get caught by that witch."
Subaru nodded as he turned his attention to Beatrice. "Did you have a nice talk with that contractor of yours, I suppose?" Beatrice pouted as Subaru gave a light laugh.
"Beatrice, are you ready for some running?" Subaru held out his hand to which Beatrice responded by gripping his tightly. "Don't let go of Betty's hand."
"I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you." The witch began to make her move as the unseen hands went forth in an attempt to grab them, only to be blocked by Beatrice's invisible barrier. This was only a temporary measure though as more hands began to barrage them, forcing them to fly away.
"Let's go, Beatrice! Our destination are the trial grounds!"
"Got it, I suppose!"
The two of them flew as 2000 hands chased them at high speed as the silver-haired witch continued to chase them.
Dark. It was dark. Everything that she could see was black and dark. She couldn't feel anything, she couldn't do anything, all she could do was think.
She was such a bad girl. She allowed herself to be consumed by the jealousy within her. She knew that she shouldn't have allowed it.
She loved Subaru so much. She loved the way he smiled. She loved the way he'd pat her head. She loved everything about him.
It hurt that much more though when Echidna came into the picture. The stronger she realized her feelings for Subaru, the greater her jealousy of Echidna grew. The resentment inside her felt so ugly and dirty but at the same time, so refreshing to let out.
Ah, she really was a bad girl. This was her punishment: to stay in this darkness forever and ever, alone by herself.
"Emilia-tan!"
The darkness cracked.
Emilia found herself alone on a green grassy plain. There was a tea table with a parasol on a small hill. The weather was clear as a gentle breeze went through the fields. She walked tentatively towards the table, not sure where else to walk.
"You're quite the troublesome girl."
Emilia turned around to find the white-haired witch standing behind her. It was the one person she didn't want to see.
"Echidna." Emilia turned her head away as she didn't know what to say. Echidna sighed annoyingly as she walked past Emilia towards the tea table. Taking a seat, she poured herself some tea and began to drink from her cup with closed eyes. Seemingly ignored by Echidna, Emilia was left alone, uncomfortably standing.
"Don't just stand there and sit. I'm not so rude to leave a guest standing."
Surprised at the unexpected hospitality, Emilia rushed a bit as she took a seat and straightened her back, looking tense with pursed lips. She hesitantly drank some tea and found it very pleasing. It was normal tea as Echidna would only give the honor of giving her body fluids to Subaru, though Subaru would probably cry at the unwanted special treatment and ask for normal tea.
"Where am I?" Emilia mustered her confidence to initiate the conversation to which Echidna opened one eye before finishing her tea.
"Your mind is right now in my mental world as your body is right now in the trial grounds." Echidna put down her cup and gave a glare to Emilia, who flinched. "I was able to salvage your conscious by dragging it out though you have Natsuki Subaru to thank for essentially dragging you to the trial grounds."
"Subaru did that?"
"Don't even think of meeting him. At this point, if you were to go back, you would go back to that state. I'm keeping you here to prevent that."
"Thank you, Echidna."
"Enough with the fake pleasantries. If you really were, we wouldn't be having this problem."
"…"
Emilia looked down in shame as Echidna repeatedly tapped her finger on the table heatedly. The Witch of Envy was truly annoying. To think that it was able to use the half-elf as a vessel to manifest itself. Not only that, as long as the half-elf continued to harbor such strong envy or jealousy, the situation wouldn't change.
She had already asked the other witches' souls to temporarily contain the Witch of Envy's vestige since she couldn't take the half-elf into her mental world without it so she was forced to bring that disgusting thing into her perfect world. Minerva told her they wouldn't be able to contain it forever so the only solution was for Emilia to come to terms with her jealousy so that it wouldn't be able to possess her. Of course, that was easier said than done.
"Echidna, you're really great, aren't you? You're honest with what you want and even though you hate me, you still help me like this. If you hate me and still treat me like this, you must have helped Subaru-kun so much more. You're very beautiful too. I can see why Subaru loves you."
Emilia bit her lips lightly as she tightened her fists on her lap.
"When Subaru told me that he loved me all those times back then, even though I told him to stop teasing me, it made me really happy. But now, he doesn't love me at all; he loves you. He was just being nice to me. You must be laughing at me, thinking how foolish I was to think that Subaru loved me. I'm such a stupid fool. I hate myself for feeling this way.
"I hate that whenever I see you, my heart hurts so much. I can't help but think, if only you weren't there. If only Subaru loved me instead of you. Why? Why did things turn out like this?!"
Emilia broke down in tears as her feelings came bursting out. Why was she revealing this to Echidna? She didn't know but she felt that if she didn't get this out, she wouldn't be able to tell anybody else. For some reason, she trusted Echidna which many people would think of as a bad idea.
"You really are a foolish girl." Echidna gave out an annoyed sigh. She was forced to listen to the rambling of a teenager and now, this half-elf was crying in front of her like a baby.
"Let me tell you something Natsuki Subaru told me."
Emilia looked up to see Echidna resting her chin on her perched arm while looking sideways, not looking at Emilia.
"He told me while he loved me, you hold a special position in his heart. Even though he loved me, he said that he loved you also."
This shocked Emilia as Echidna continued on.
"Natsuki Subaru doesn't love you? What a joke. Is that how you feel right now? Such an ambiguous thing as feelings are always shifting. You could be feeling in love with a person one day and end up feeling annoyed at the same person the next day. Love based on only feelings can be a fickle thing but do you believe that Natsuki Subaru is that kind of man?" Echidna turned her head as her pitch-black eyes glared intensely at Emilia, who found herself getting goosebumps.
"Love cannot be identified through such feelings. It's only through action that it can manifest itself. You are a fool to believe that Natsuki Subaru doesn't love you. Have you forgotten everything that he's done for you? He saved you from the bowel hunter, saved you from the Witch Cult, and even comforted you from your trials. You don't even know the suffering he went through just for you when he could have just walked away from it all.
"This is why you weren't able to understand the man named Natsuki Subaru. You have the nerve to say that he doesn't love you? Pathetic. I would not have been so worried about you stealing him away from me if that was truly the case. No matter what, I will never be able to occupy his heart the same way you do.
"So what if he gets intimate with me? Why are you so jealous of me? Everything he does is for you. His life and goals are all for your benefit. If that is not love, then what is?
"Natsuki Subaru truly loves you. Get that through your dense head, witch's daughter."
Echidna reached over and flicked her finger against Emilia's forehead. Emilia's thoughts were completely cleared as Echidna's words reverberated through her entire body. All her anxiety and distress were cleared out as she found her heart light and free.
Emilia rubbed her forehead from pain as she looked once again looked at Echidna.
"You truly are really nice, Echidna." She gave a smile and this time, Echidna saw it was genuine. "Mmmm, I feel much better. I really needed that. Thank you, Echidna."
"None is needed. If it wasn't for him, I would just abandon you."
"You really do love him, don't you Echidna? I do too."
"Is that so? Good for you. Now, leave."
"Eh?! Already? But I want to talk more with you. I want to become friends with you!"
"Shut up! Argh, I really do hate you!"
Echidna snapped her fingers and Emilia found herself being pulled into an open door as she found herself exiting the world.
"Let's meet again, Echidna!" Emilia gave a bright smile though it was only met with disgust.
"I refuse!"
Echidna already got the notification from the other witches that the Witch of Envy's vestige went back, seeing that there was no suitable vessel now so Echidna had no more reason to keep Emilia in here.
Once she saw that the girl left, she gave a sigh to herself.
"I really am a bad witch, helping a potential rival."
"Emilia-tan!"
Emilia woke up as to see Subaru sitting at her side with Beatrice next to him.
"Subaru-kun…" Emilia called out his name as Subaru gave a happy smile, immediately hugging her tightly.
"You're fine. I'm glad. I'm really glad. Really." Emilia felt tears dropping onto her shoulders and now examining him more carefully, she saw how torn his sweater was and how bruised his body was.
Ah, why did she ever doubt him? Why had she been so obsessive? To see him hurt only hurt her as well. She would have just been satisfied to see him happy.
"Subaru-kun, you're squeezing me."
"Ah, sorry." Subaru immediately let go of her as they continued to look at each other. Emilia smiled as she held Subaru's face with her hands and gently kissed his forehead.
"Thank you for saving me, Subaru-kun. I love you."
Subaru blushed at Emilia's assertiveness but not a second later, could hear Echidna's voice buzzing in his head in frustration as his eyebrows twitched.
"Emilia-tan, I-" Subaru was stopped by Emilia's finger on his lips as Emilia shook her head slightly.
"Subaru-kun, please stay by my side in the future." She gave a bright smile with clear eyes as she looked at him straight in the eyes. Subaru looked surprised a bit before returning the smile.
"Emilia-tan's really cute. EMT."
"Really, there you go again."
"It's true."
"Yes, yes. Ah, tell Echidna that I loved the tea!"
"I can tell her but…" Subaru gave a strained smile as Echidna's ranting about Emilia was already making his head hurt. She really didn't like Emilia, huh?
"Eh? Mother?! Subaru knows Mother? Ah, don't tell me that the person you're in a contract with is…!" Beatrice covered her mouth in shock as Emilia also covered her mouth, realizing that she said something she probably shouldn't have.
"Ah, ah, what should I do? What should I do? After everything Betty said, in fact!" Beatrice was now remembering all the hateful things she said about Subaru's contractor and realizing that it was her beloved Mother…
"Hahaha!" Subaru laughed uncontrollably at Beatrice's reaction and Emilia found herself also laughing. "Don't laugh at Betty, I suppose!" Beatrice found herself embarrassed but the two continued to laugh. The dark times were over and the desired future was achieved. Subaru was truly happy.
It was the next morning as Subaru woke up and keeping his promise, he held the black crystal as it led him to Echidna's world where they would have their tea party as per their routine.
"Echidna, you really were of great help."
"That's right, that's right. I was. Keep praising me."
Echidna was smiling complacently like a little child as Subaru went along with her ploy. She really did deserve it this time so he decided to entertain her.
"Echidna, if you weren't there, it would have been impossible to save everybody. You were the MVP here."
"Hmmm, that term is unfamiliar to me. Ah, most valuable player. A phrase from your world, I see." Echidna read his mind in the midst of their conversation, something that Subaru still haven't got used to.
"So, you're going to become that half-elf's knight, huh?" Echidna seemed to have gotten her share of pampering as she changed the topic to something more serious.
"Yeah, they're going to hold the ceremony this evening. Even I was surprised when Emilia asked me to become her knight yesterday."
Subaru recalled last night the way Emilia held his hands and told him that she wanted him to be her knight. The amount of honor and joy that welled up in him during that moment was indescribable and he had a hard time sleeping that night due to the anticipation.
"I must say, that half-elf is very eager to claim you. It was only last night that everything happened."
"You seem surprisingly calm. I thought for sure that you would be angry about this."
"I'm not going to let my personal feelings get in the way for your celebration."
"How considerate of you. In any case, I'm going to leave now." Subaru now knowing how to leave, imagined the door that would allow him to exit as soon enough, a wooden door appeared next to them.
He had his hand on the doorknob only to find that Echidna had teleported and grabbed his wrist.
"Hey, don't I get some reward for last night? I expect compensation for my services, you know." Echidna had a slight frown but Subaru could hear her playful undertone in her voice and eyes. She slid her hands up his forearm to his shoulders, holding his full attention.
"Kiss me."
He should've known. Well, it was just a kiss. Putting one hand on her face, he kissed her, brushing his lips against hers. Her lips were as soft as always.
He separated from her, expecting for her to let go of him now but her grip tightened on his shoulder when he tried to leave.
"Give me a real kiss." Echidna continued to stare at him as she pulled him closer, nearly hugging him with her hands on his back. She held back with the hug last meeting; she wasn't going to let go of him this time.
Staring at her face in close proximity and his body basically being squeezed by her, Subaru felt his self-control waning. His lips were still burning from their previous kiss. Moving his hand from her face to the back of her head and placing his other hand on her back, he kissed her again, this time putting his tongue into her.
Echidna moaned a bit as she gripped him tighter, while pushing one of her thighs between his legs, sending jolts of pleasure straight to his groin. She felt her breast grabbed as Subaru began to squeeze it, the heat beginning to rise between the two of them.
They both went to the ground as the only thing now on Subaru's mind was kissing Echidna, the thought of leaving being forgotten. He leaned in more, pressing her against the ground, wanting to taste everything that she had to offer. He was thoroughly addicted to Echidna at this point.
He felt a sharp sensation on his lower lip as Echidna bit his lips lightly. She pushed him gently to hook her finger on the collar of his shirt and grazed her fingers against his chest, his waist, and then lower. Each touch only fueled his body with lust as she began to press against his dick, making it hard.
"Natsuki Subaru, I want to see you." Echidna looked at him with blazing eyes despite her eyes being black. Her breath continued to tickle his face as she let her desire out in the open. Her greed was starting to manifest with Subaru being the prey.
Subaru nodded, allowing Echidna to take off his clothes as they soon became completely exposed to each other. Subaru could feel her eyes examining his body as her eyes soon fell to his dick. She smiled, knowing that it was her that was causing his length to stand so tall. She held the tip gently in the hands as she let her fingers stroke the sides of it slowly and excruciatingly, teasing his endurance as Subaru moaned.
He leaned down to press his lips against her breasts, not letting himself be outdone and be the only one at mercy as he brushed the underside of her breasts, pushing it up a bit so his mouth could have better access to it. He used his tongue to lick her nipple, playing around with it as he occasionally used his teeth to nibble.
Echidna gripped his hair as she pushed Subaru's head in more. She would go faster with her stroking when Subaru pleased her while slowing down when he took it slow, conditioning him with pleasure. Subaru's dick was already slick as Subaru very much wanted to cum into her smooth hand. He found it too hard to hold back as he decided to squeeze her breasts roughly and suck on her as hard as he could while letting his tongue go rampant. He was rewarded as under Echidna's ministrations, his dick was becoming more and more distracting as he found it very hard to focus.
They both came, moaning and shouting.
Subaru collapsed as he laid down next to Echidna, breathing heavily. That was hot. He could still feel his dick tingling from the ejaculation as his body couldn't move. He looked at Echidna, who was in a similar state, her face bright red.
"You're amazing, Natsuki Subaru."
"Thanks. You too."
"But I'm still not satisfied yet." Echidna immediately rolled over as she positioned herself over him.
"You're kidding, right?" Subaru widened his eyes as he barely had any energy left but Echidna only smirked. She grabbed his dick and kissed him sensually, showing him that she still had stamina to spare. Subaru could only accept as he found his dick becoming hard again.
Feeling that his dick was back up, Echidna positioned herself over his cock and in one swift motion, descended her hips onto him. Echidna moaned satisfyingly as she tried to get Subaru's cock deeper and deeper into her tight sex. She wanted him to fill her up completely as he continued to penetrate her.
"Fuck!" Subaru was too sensitive; he came just a few moments ago yet the witch continued to bounce on him as her walls clenched him, trying to milk him of everything he had. It was too much, too tight, too explosive. His mind was barely holding on. He tried to put his hands anywhere, trying to ground himself before resting on her ass and squeezing them.
He decided to focus on Echidna's face. Her face had that stark smile on her as she was also looking at his expressions, her eyes observing everything. Her white hair swayed each time her hips pounded on him. Her breasts still had red marks from his recent action as they bounced up and down, filling him with desire. He was completely addicted to the existence of Echidna and Echidna knew it also.
"Natsuki Subaru! You're mine!"
Subaru felt himself pulse again and with a yell, he released his cum again, this time inside of her, making him feel all the better. Echidna also yelled as her orgasm was released as well. After they both came, Echidna caressed Subaru's face as they both shared a moment in silence.
"Echidna, I love you." Subaru found himself blurting those words without thinking as Echidna smiled at him.
"I accept your love, Natsuki Subaru. You have my promise as a witch. A bad witch who's completely in love in you."
Subaru smiled. Even though there were definitely going to be more struggles in the future, even though things may continue to be tough, he would continue to walk forward. Together with Echidna and everybody else.
Author's Note: There were some scenes where I wanted to be more impactful but my skills as a writer limited that. Example was such as Emilia's transformation. I'm ending it here because I only know up to the anime which is arc 4, I think, and I have no idea how to progress further. Who knew that I could dish out another 3 chapters even though I only planned for this to a one-shot lemon? Not me. My respects to the people who can make 10+ chapter stories. Thank you for reading.