Natsuki Subaru The Sage
Chapter 5 New Beginnings
In the Taygeta Library stood two individuals. One a determined boy, the other a bumbling brown haired lass, in front of them stand two immense doors, preparing them for the second trial. Subaru looks at his companion and thinks to himself:
"Is it true that, I just have to survive after all? From what I remember Shaula freaked out when she recalled Reid Astrea. However I need to see what this is all about. I can't lose my hope here for learning more about this world from the book. I need all the knowledge I can get before leaving this cursed tower."
The black haired youth remembers how freaked out his adorable companion became and he hesitates again, pondering the issues. Analyzing the pros and cons. In his distraction a lively voice pulls him out from such thoughts:
"Master, Master what are we waiting for? Let's goo and take care of this trial in a jiffy. If the first one was completed by master's supreme self, then I am sure this one will be a cinch!" Shouts out Shaula as she is visibly happy that she is with her beloved master.
Subaru looks down and clenches his fists, he knows he is weak, cowardly, not determined, yet dammit he wants to succeed. He wants to not just survive this trial but to try and win.
Flashes of the courtesan bears that ended his pitiful life as he wallowed in despair and grief flash through his mind. His breath hitches yet a firm tug on his arm makes him look towards Shaula, who is smiling and energetic.
Furthermore, she possesses a firm smile and a confident expression. All of these factors add up and let Natsuki Subaru calm down and look forward to his challenge, to proving that book wrong. To triumph in the face of adversity.
He looks towards his companion who latches to his arm with a wide grin. He feels considerably better being next to the person he treats as his rock and gives her some head pats while asking her a question:
"Hey Shaula, you're pretty strong right?" He remembers just how high she was able to jump, and the words the book let him read.
Here, the energetic maiden puts a hand on her heart as she declares with total confidence:
"Master, when we used to travel together I would beat everyone in my way, besides that piece of shit with flaming red hair, I dominated the lands. However I will admit that there are some foes out there that can be quite troublesome."
Here Shaula sighs as she remembers the depths of hell she had to tread on, facing a certain individual that could negate her hell snipe like nothing and was physically stronger than her, she always shivered at the thoughts.
She knows she is strong and can outclass other opponents with ease and grace. However, a certain clown always left her with a foul taste in her mouth.
Subaru sees her brooding mood and puts a hand on her head for customary head pats, which she enjoys as usual, sporting a dopey smile. He decides he is done stalling and proceeds forward.
While both Shaula and Subaru have placed their hands on each door they look at each other, and push the doors to the second trial of the tower.
Another enormous room is in their sight, with no clear beginning nor end. Similar to the first one they witnessed, just a white expanse that seems to stretch endlessly.
There is a faint mist that seems to clear up, both Subaru and Shaula enter the room with hesitation at what they feel and their instincts are screaming at them. There is a foreboding feeling in the air, as if one has inadvertently stepped into the tiger's den.
The mist clears and a booming voice filled with arrogance intones:
"My, My it's been quite som' time since I hav' seen anyone. Who might you be?"
The haze parts and in front of Subaru stood a man that seemingly looked straight from an anime or a history book of the old Edo era of samurais.
A man a head taller than Subaru, with waist length, fiery red hair, with piercing sky blue eyes that seem to cut anything they gaze at. Subaru unconsciously shivers when said gaze fixated on him, he felt as if his very soul was cut in two inexplicably.
Maintaining a false bravado that he didn't feel he keeps observing this strange individual who must be whom the book referenced.
He notices that he wears a crimson kimono which only covers his left side, leaving his right side uncovered. A white Sarahi wraps around his body, and he has a black eye patch over his left eye with a hideous pattern.
"You, what's the matter young fish? Cat got yer tongue? Does yer mouth not work? Can ya not hear me speak?"
Scoffs the flame haired individual who is carrying a pair of chopsticks in his Sarahi, he glances at the trembling boy who has gotten intimidated by his dominating aura, and stares at a shell shocked brown haired woman who is paralyzed with fear.
His grin widens as he continues talking to his frozen audience of two:
"Oi, it's been awhile Shaula. You missed me?"
"AGGHHHHHHHHH."
Screams a shell shocked scorpion lass as her mabeast instincts kick in, her fight or flight path is decided and without even processing any other information and acting in pure fear and terror she pivots and dashes out of the room as swift as the wind.
However, in her addled mind set she forgets to take Subaru with her, so now it is just a smirking red haired tyrant with a trembling boy. The fierce eyes youth starts thinking:
"This is not good. Not good at all, Shaula left me due to her hidden trauma coming back full force. Dammit all I'm such an idiot. I should have never came here, damn that book.
No, this is my fault. For being avaricious, greedy, and ambitious. Now I am face to face with someone that can make even a powerhouse like Shaula run away with a mere greeting. Think or I die today, Natsuki Subaru."
The eccentric and powerful man in the red kimono seems to be enjoying himself tremendously, and Subaru decides to at least address him since he hasn't felt any hostility.
Yet he has a bad feeling, maybe an individual so strong would treat him as a mere insect, unworthy of his time. He decides to press forward:
"My name is Natsuki Subaru…" Subaru is filled with trepidation at how the man is standing immobile like a colossus of unfathomable strength, that won't budge for anything, nor anyone.
Yet He has not come this far to be a sniveling coward and he finishes his sentence:
"And I believe you are Reid Astrea?"
Hearing this, Reid's grin grows even bigger, resembling a Cheshire cat, as he responds:
"You are correct young fish, I'm Reid Astrea, and you lackin,' comin' here to partake in the second trial. You ain't enough. This ain't a place for you to be comin' to.
Yer outta yer element, yer strongest ally just left in fear, miracle that she didn't faint to be honest. We had some intense sparing session back in tha day."
Every single world that Reid says feels like a hammer blow to Natsuki Subaru's temples, the sheer way he has been dismissed with nary a glance fuels something in him.
A hidden rage that should not have been unleashed, one that needs to be tempered and refined, not used crudely like a blunt object. He screams:
"Am I this worthless in this damn tower? Are you like the strongest in this world or what? Why can't I be allowed to have my moments dammit!"
Here, Reid frowns at the pathetic display he is seeing. He sighs and takes one step and is instantly in front of Subaru, which makes him shocked once again at the speed displayed in front of him. Reid states:
"Who do yer think you are? Ya ain't Flugel, this 400 years too early to dare come ova' here, and challenge myself. Come back with strong friends or you ain't eva' getting past me.
Yer attitude at this moment is a tad pathetic, be a man, young fish, instead of the trembling whelp I see.
Go gain some knowledge you whelp, go venture outside and be someone yer future followers can rely on, gain accomplishments, then come back and you may qualify in my eyes. As of now, get lost young fish."
Before Subaru could even process these words, he sees Reid Astrea with a shit eating grin stretch out his hand as if he is about to flick his finger.
Which he does, hitting Subaru's temple and launching him with such force he is ejected out of the second trial as if he was a sack of garbage. With that the trial doors automatically closed and Reid saw cross legged in thought as he wonders:
"What weird shit are you up ta now, Flugel."
Subaru's body hurls out of the chamber doors and a sickening crunch is heard as his body collides against a stone wall. He doesn't even have time to recognize his pain as he hits his head on the wall as well and everything slowly turns to darkness.
Last thing he remembers is seeing through a hazy vision a brown haired girl approaching him with swiftness as she cries out Subaru's actual name.
(Scene Change)
Darkness and shadows surround a black haired youth as he is laying down in a shadow garden. His head is resting on the thighs of a sliver haired half elf, cloaked in darkness she passes a hand through his hair gently while sorrowfully cursing out her old friends for being so harsh and merciless on her beloved.
Slowly, the vestiges of Natsuki Subaru's consciousness returns and he opens his eyes. However he sees nothing for he is not really here. He has eyes yet they grant him no sight, he has limbs yet they feel weightless, as if they are not even there.
He screams but no sounds come out of a throat that does not exist. His mind threatens to break down, yet there is no brain to send signals to the body, no arteries to pump blood, for Natsuki Subaru is both existing and not existing simultaneously.
As he is panicking over what is existence and whether he is just a blight in this world where he does not belong a certain hand grasps his own, squeezing his own with firmness yet being very considerate. The touch soothes, palliatives, relieves, and aids his soul.
With further effort he finds himself in a body, whether astral or not does not matter at this point.
The only thing that matters to the fragile boy is that he can finally see and the sight that occupies his vision makes his breathe stop.
For once again, he is in the presence of the first girl he met upon coming to this world. All the pain he suffered due to Reid Astrea is forgotten as a pair of amethyst eyes are looking at him with such warmth that it melts his soul.
"Subaru, I am so sorry!" Wails out the half elf girl as warm, wet tears fall on Subaru's face. He extends his hand subconsciously and wipes the glistening drops cascading down her eyes. He smiles and simply says:
"Tella-Tan, it is a pleasure seeing you again, despite everything that has happened to me. I've no one to blame but my foolishness. However, seeing you makes me think it was worth it."
Here Satella shakes her head vehemently as she states while caressing her beloved's cheek:
"No Subaru, this is my fault for not better informing you. I could only give you this cursed ability, due to my incompetence the man I love suffers so much, I am truly a despicable person."
Both individuals are quiet as they reflect on what happened. The bears, the red haired demon swordsman, yet Subaru has an inkling he has not exactly perished and he inquires:
"Satella, Did I die again?"
Here the silver haired half elf gives a brief smile that momentarily made Subaru's pain fade away as she responds:
"No, my beloved. Thankfully, Shaula came to her senses after being frightened by that rude brute of a man, and she was able to take you to the green room, where the spirits began healing your body. It has been many hours but you shall regain consciousness soon. I am afraid that our conversations will conclude shortly.
However I must inform you of several events my love, are you ready to listen?
Here Subaru just squeezes Satella's hand and nods, he is still in a little bit of bewilderment due to how close they both seem. He is not ready to give an answer on his feelings after only a day but he promises to be this wonderful girl's friend and see if he can develop feelings similar too hers in some nearby future.
Satella can read the flickering emotions on Subaru and is content for now, for she has waited a tremendous amount of time. Several years more do not mean much to her. She continues talking while still interweaving her fingers through his hair, enjoying the feeling tremendously:
"We now know your affinity is Yin, which is a welcome surprise. Furthermore, this affinity is very rare and I dare say only few can have even partial mastery at it. Unfortunately, your aptitude is not the best."
Here Subaru eyes turn downcast as the ramifications of his affinity are exposed. While he was about to go into another self-loathing spiral he felt a dainty hand bring his chin up and gazed at a pair of twinkling amethyst orbs which glowed with concern and care towards him.
"Do not get discouraged so quickly my love, there are still ways to improve your abilities slowly yet steadily. Besides we shall meet once a fortnight in my shadow garden when you are sleeping so that I can impart on you lessons. Don't be a dummy! Do not force your gate, it can be a rather fragile organ."
Subaru eyes light up and he is about to reply when the surroundings start disappearing one by one, here Satella boldly rushes forward and gives Subaru another peck on the cheek as she whispers:
"I shall always watch over you, I love you, adore you, desire you, cherish you, be safe my beloved and take care of yourself and of Shaula. She has had a rather solitary life, and I believe having you around will be a positive growth for the both of you. Farewell, and until next time Subaru."
And with those statements the silver haired half elf let's go of Subaru as he screams again her name:
"Satellaaa! Thank you for everything." Here Subaru as he is falling from the shadows into the world of the living strikes a charismatic grin that melts the half elf's heart. With a thumbs up he concludes his words:
"I'll be someone worthy of your expectations. Just wait for me Tella-Tan." And with those parting words Subaru wakes up gasping in pain.
A blur of brown hair is all he sees before he gets tackled and gets knocked down on the bed he was laying on. He focuses his eyes and all he sees are two green eyes with slight tears as the three red dots shimmer.
"Mast… MASTEERR, I am so sorry to have run away. I don't know what happened but before I knew it I was running away. By the time I could think, I heard you getting slammed to the wall by that piece of shit.
If you weren't injured I would have attempted to at least give that flame haired asshole a piece of my mind! But your wounds were very bad, I am no doctor but the spirits in the green room worked overtime to heal you. Master please forgive me!"
The senpaku eyed boy tests his body and surprisingly he feels in much better shape than he thought.
"Man these spirits sure know their stuff, I thought I would have been out of commission for weeks. I suppose that bastard Reid didn't even try to injure me or I would be a mere speck of dust."
Here Subaru pats Shaula's head and she instantly calms down while she still embraces him, he soothingly responds to the worried Scorpio lass:
"There is nothing we could have done, I should have known better but my foolish pride, could not accept any other results.
Forgive this useless master of yours Shaula. And please address me as Subaru as much as possible, I want to be companions with you, not have a master servant relationship, it just feels wrong. If possible, I'd like to be friends with you first."
He hesitates as he hopes his wishes to go through, it feels very odd to always have to be called master. Shaula looks at Subaru and ponders, she grabs her chin as she blows in air that make her cheeks assume a pout. While thinking for what seems like hours but was most likely minutes she goes ahead and replies:
"Hmm, Suba…. Subaru? Subaru, Subaru, SUBARUUUU!"
She joyously exclaims as she hugs her beloved mast… Subaru, and she finds it perfectly content to call him by something that is not master. He may smell like her master, yet he carries himself in a different way, and she is actually liking this personality a lot more.
Subaru smiles in genuine joy for the first time as he gives Shaula some head pats which she graciously accepts. He gets up from the room and stretches a little, only finding faint aches. Shaula attaches herself to his hip as his fierce eyes narrow and his lips curl up in a smile as he sonorously declares:
"Let's go pay a visit to that bastard of a book Shaula, I did after all survive that monster called Reid Astrea, let's make this damned book spill all its secrets and get the hell out of this tower."
"Wherever you go Subaru, I follow because I am a first class lady, yes sir!" Here Shaula gives a military hand salute, and together they walk away from the green room, not noticing a quasi-spirit of water floating around gazing at Subaru as it thinks to herself:
"Master?"
Author's Notes:
Well thank you for reading, The hardest part about this chapter was the Reid interactions and dialogue. I wish to thank my fellow beta readers Cryptczz (RE: Starting Life as a Twitch Streamer), And Grimbo (RE: Zeroed Escapism) Both are always invaluable to myself. Next chapter it's time to leave this tower and explore the great wide world of Re:Zero.
Also want to mention a fellow author has his own Shaula fic now, which brings me joy since we have so pitiful Shaula fics that are serious in nature. His name is twistedonffn, fic is called RE:Lambda and it is very interesting.
Oteycri000 signing off.