Author's note:
If it matters to you, this note is a clarification of what happens in the chapter so if you wanna read it "blind" then skip this and come back to it after. I know most folks don't care but if I were reading a story it would bother me, so I'm including this warning. (No, idk why I didn't just put this at the end but I'm too lazy to move it now.)
In the Greed If, it is canon that there was a battle at Priestilla in which Regulus was killed, Sirius was captured, and Capella driven off. Apparently none of the Gluttonies made an appearance in that timeline.
The reason I mention this is to note that, although Pridebaru killed all the sin archbishops in his world, Greedbaru only killed Sloth and Greed. Thus, the Natsuki Subaru of this story's body is a vessel for the Greed and Sloth witch factors but not for Lust, Gluttony, Wrath, or Pride. No comment on the nature of the Envy witch factor.
In short, witch factors, for this fanfic, do not carry between timelines. Yes, I know they latch onto the soul or whatever but fuck you I'm not having duplicate authorities in my fic.
On another note, if you wanna see Greedbaru in Pride's timeline, I'm writing a story called Greed's Pride. It's... a work in progress to say the least but I'll get around to doing it properly eventually. So if you ever think "man Pridebaru is really stealing Greedbaru's happy ending" then this'll be the story for you.
An empty void. Nothing but eternal, stretching darkness in every direction. Yet, the darkness had shape. It formed into clumps to create in a place without creation.
A girl, perhaps two of her, lived in this darkness. Waiting. Watching. Hoping.
Alone. Alone. Alone?
A boy, far from home, often visited this darkness. He hurt. He hurt. He hurt.
A madman, once pure hearted, lived here now. His power unused. Unseen.
A little king, proud of his rights, lived here now. His power not wanted. Heartless.
These three, perhaps four, lived separate from the travelling boy. Another's love kept them at bay. Another's Greed kept him all to herself.
But now, the traveling boy is… different. He rejects her Greed. She is now powerless in the void.
The girl, who is two, is back in control. And that which was Unseen and that which was Heartless will be Seen and will have Heart.
Can the travelling boy's vision overpower another's? Can the travelling boy's heart hold more than another's?
These questions were left unanswered. Her Greed would not allow another to have her toy.
But now they demand answers.
If Natsuki Subaru is no longer alone,
If Natsuki Subaru rejects her Greedy hand,
How will he live with those Unseen forces in his Heart?
Fuck that was a weird dream. And this is coming from the guy who dreams about being a plumber named Samuel in a mayo-themed and mayo-powered "water"park.
Subaru: I miss normal dreams.
?: What did you dream about?
Subaru: Well, there was this girl. No, wait, there were two of her. But yeah there was this-
Subaru suddenly came to his senses as a chill spread through his body. He saw Emilia's head above him, looking down with a smile that could scare even Cthulhu himself at the mention of his literal dream girl.
He tried to shoot up and flee from his impending doom but Emilia's elven strength pinned him in place. FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK
Emilia: You know, I'm reeeealy interested in knowing more about this girl my Subaru was dreaming about as he slept on my lap.
Emilia's smile strengthened along with her grip on him. Any harder and she'd start breaking bones.
Subaru, fearing for his life and still dazed by his sudden awakening, was unable to craft a clever lie. Truth don't let me down again. If you do, I'm gonna find Todd in this timeline and stab you with him.
Subaru: W-well Emilia...
Her grip tightened at the use of her plain name. Subaru ignored the sound of his ribs shattering and continued, his voice shaking.
Subaru: I-I couldn't see her well because it was very, very dark but she had beautiful silver hair a-and, if I saw correctly, gorgeous amethyst eyes.
The chilling cold and extreme pressure on his body vanished as the smiling face above him turned red and was covered with a pair of hands.
Thank God that worked. I don't know how I was gonna stab a concept. Also I don't really want to find Todd again. But knowing my luck, he'll find me in time.
Emilia: S-Subaru you nincompoop!
Subaru: Who even says "nincompoop" anymore?
He spent a moment taking in the sight of a blushing Emilia before coming to his senses again.
Subaru: Broken bones and mild frostbite aside, I am incredibly comfortable right now. Whoever made the pillow I'm laying on deserves a raise. Maybe two.
Emilia uncovered her face, having composed herself, and lightly poked his cheek.
Emilia: Dummy. You're resting on my lap, like I said.
Processing this, along with the fact that Emilia's face was so close, gave Subaru only one thing to say.
Subaru: I think I can die happy having done this.
A concerned look grew on Emilia.
Emilia: Subaru, you know I don't like it when you say stuff like that. If you break any more promises, I'll have to give you a knuckle sandwich!
He feigned remorse and hid his fear of losing any more ribs.
Subaru: My bad. I promise to only die in your embrace when you allow me to. Also, no one says "knuckle sandwich" anymore either.
Giving him a light pout, Emilia started to play with his hair as they remained in each other's silent company. The only noises in the dark, moonlit room were the sounds of their breathing and the light breeze of the night creeping in through an open window.
Honestly, I really think I could lay here for hours just staring at her. I- I'm still not sure if this is something I deserve… but I just can't bring myself to leave her side.
Subaru. It's been a reeealy long time since you've let me see you like this. That smile you don't even know you have makes me feel so warm inside. Dummy. Making me feel weird.
Subaru: Emilia?
Emilia: Hmm?
Subaru: Why did you cut your hair?
Emilia: You always spend so much time with that sleeping girl…
Her gaze shifted away from Subaru's.
Emilia: S-so I thought that maybe you liked her short hair better… so… ummm
Subaru lifted his arm and placed his hand on her cheek. She met his eyes again. They were soft and seemed unburdened by the years of pain that normally sharpened them.
Subaru: Emilia. I only have eyes for you now. I can't speak for my past self but you're the only one in this world who makes my heart flutter. You're the only one who can.
As she processed these words, he continued, "I love you, Emilia. I love you and only you."
She wrapped her arms around him and bent down for a hug. He could feel her tears wetting part of his shirt. He did not mind.
This warmth. How have I lived without it for so long? How did I go through each day so cold? I don't want to be the-
He forcibly stopped his own train of thought. He couldn't let himself think that. If he thought that, then all his crimes were unnecessary. If he thought that, what he was, what he had been for so long, would crumble into pieces.
Emilia: Subaru. I-I was so worried for s-so long. I-I thought you were lying t-to me. You're the only one I can trust and I-I thought you were lying… Thank You Subaru.
She wanted to say "I love you too" but could not bring herself to. I don't know what that even is yet. I am so close to understanding though. I can feel it. I can finally reply to him soon. Soon.
They spent some time like this. They were warm in each other's embrace under the comforting moonlight.
Emilia had fallen asleep, resting her head on Subaru's chest. Trying not to disturb her, he carefully and silently maneuvered out of Emilia's lap pillow. He picked her up gently, brought her to the nearby bed, and tucked her in.
This is so much harder to do with broken ribs.
Subaru: Good Night, Emilia.
He gave a light kiss to her forehead and let her sleep in peace.
As he navigated his way back to his own room, he was lost deep in thought.
No matter what my exact goals end up being, I still have to protect her. Considering what I've seen up until now, it's safe to say that the Royal Selection has yet to end. First, I need to know what day and year it is exactly, for reference. Next, I need to find the differences between this timeline and my own. If there are still sin archbishops out and about, I'll need to eliminate them again. And, as much as I hate to say it, it would be far easier to do with Reinhard around. Maybe building his trust in me is the only way to properly crush him?
Subaru shook his head as he walked.
I'll figure out the answer to the Reinhard Question later. For now, I need to gather information before all else. Random speculation will get me nowhere.
What tools do I have at my disposal?
Subaru extended seven fingers, one for each person he had met in the mansion thus far.
I'll figure Reinhard out later.
He lowered a finger.
I have to still break my contract with that Witch.
He lowered a finger.
The clown is different in this timeline but he likely isn't loyal to me.
He lowered a finger.
The orange maid is a non-combatant and the pink maid is loyal to the clown.
He lowered two fingers.
The tiger boy hated Subaru and hates me.
He lowered a finger.
Out of all the people I've encountered so far in this world, it seems only Emilia is truly on my side. Well, even that is in question if I come clean about not being her Subaru.
He lowered his last finger and let out a light sigh.
Subaru: I miss Elsa. She's a bitch but she was always far easier to work with.
?: Ara Ara, is that really a way to talk to a lady?
Subaru turned around to see standing behind him, knife in hand, a rather familiar face.